Methods, apparatuses and systems for waking a device prior to device activation

ABSTRACT

An aerosol delivery device may include a rechargeable power source configured to provide power to generate an aerosol, device electronics configured to generate the aerosol responsive to application of the power from the power source, and a lock assembly configured to perform either one or both of preventing recharging the power source and preventing the application of the power from the power source to the device electronics in a locked state, and to enable recharging the power source and the application of power from the power source to the device electronics in an unlocked state. The lock assembly may be configured to detect a wake event while the lock assembly is in the locked state, wake the lock assembly in response to the wake event, perform an authentication process, and, in response to completing the authentication process, transition the lock assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to device waking in association withactivation and control of an aerosol delivery device, such as anelectronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device. The aerosoldelivery device is controlled by communication to the device based onthe activation after the device is woken up from a power saving mode orstate.

BACKGROUND

Many devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon,or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco foruse. Some example alternatives have included devices wherein a solid orliquid fuel is combusted to transfer heat to tobacco or wherein achemical reaction is used to provide such heat source. Additionalexample alternatives use electrical energy to heat tobacco and/or otheraerosol generating substrate materials, such as described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.Generally, a device using electrical energy to heat tobacco or othersubstances may be referred to as an aerosol delivery device and anelectronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device is one example ofsuch a device.

Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to provide thesensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, butwithout delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion andpyrolysis products that result from the burning of tobacco. To this end,there have been proposed numerous alternative smoking products, flavorgenerators, and medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy tovaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide thesensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without burning tobaccoto a significant degree. See, for example, the various alternativesmoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat generating sourcesset forth in the background art described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 toCollett et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. etal., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2014/0096782 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0059780 toDavis et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/222,615 to Watsonet al., filed Jul. 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein byreference. See also, for example, the various implementations ofproducts and heating configurations described in the background sectionsof U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371to Robinson et al., which are incorporated by reference.

The smoking articles described above may be subject to certainrestrictions, including age restrictions. In some locations, use of thearticles including the cartridges of an ENDS device is limited based onuser age. To accommodate the need for authentication of a device by anage verified user, any of a number of authentication methods may beemployed. However, many of these authentication methods may rely oninitiation of communication that could result in draining the power ofthe ENDS device while awaiting authentication. As such, it may bedesirable to introduce ways to allow the authentication process to beinitiated after the device has been woken up.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to controlling an aerosol deliverydevice, including an electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”)device. The ENDS or aerosol delivery devices may operate when unlockedresponsive to authentication after being woken from a low power or sleepstate by detection of a wake event. The authentication may first includean age verification before an authentication allows for operation of thedevice. The authentication may include a control signal communication tothe device. The control signal communication may include an audiosignal, such as an authentication tone that is detected by a microphoneor pressure sensor on the device. The control signal communication mayinclude a visual, optical, or light signal that is detected by a lightsensor or photodiode on the device. The audio or visual signal may besent by a host device (e.g. smartphone), based on a help desk phonecall, or be from a point of sale location.

In one embodiment, an aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosoldelivery device may include a rechargeable power source configured toprovide power to generate an aerosol, device electronics configured togenerate the aerosol responsive to application of the power from thepower source, and a lock assembly configured to preform either one orboth of preventing recharging the power source and preventing theapplication of the power from the power source to the device electronicsin a locked state, and to enable recharging the power source and theapplication of power from the power source to the device electronics inan unlocked state. The lock assembly may be configured to detect a wakeevent while the lock assembly is in the locked state, wake the lockassembly in response to the wake event, perform an authenticationprocess, and, in response to completing the authentication process,transition the lock assembly between the locked state and the unlockedstate.

In another embodiment, a method of unlocking an aerosol delivery devicefrom a low power or sleep mode may be provided. The method may includedetecting a wake event while the aerosol delivery device is in a lockedstate in which a charging function or an aerosol generation function isnot enabled, waking a lock assembly of the aerosol delivery device fromthe low power or sleep mode in response to detecting a wake event,performing an authentication process via the lock assembly, and, inresponse to completing the authentication process, transitioning thelock assembly to an unlocked state in which the charging function andthe aerosol generation function are enabled.

In still another embodiment, a system for activation of a locked andpackaged component may be provided. The system may include an aerosoldelivery device and a packaging assembly including packaging associatedwith sale of the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery devicemay include a rechargeable power source configured to provide power togenerate an aerosol, device electronics configured to generate theaerosol responsive to application of the power from the power source,and a lock assembly configured to perform either one or both ofpreventing recharging the power source and preventing the application ofthe power from the power source to the device electronics in a lockedstate, and to enable recharging the power source and the application ofpower from the power source to the device electronics in an unlockedstate. The lock assembly may be configured to perform waking,authentication and unlocking of the aerosol delivery device. The lockassembly may also be configured to interface with, or be integrated in,the packaging such that removal of the packaging initiates the waking ofthe aerosol delivery device.

It will be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely forpurposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide abasic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, itwill be appreciated that the above described example implementations aremerely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope orspirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations,aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings whichillustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described exampleimplementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing generalterms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which arenot necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an aerosol delivery deviceincluding a cartridge and a control body that are coupled to oneanother, according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away view of the aerosol delivery device ofFIG. 1 in which the cartridge and control body are decoupled from oneanother, according to an example implementation;

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a perspective view of an aerosol deliverydevice comprising a control body and an aerosol source member that arerespectively coupled to one another and decoupled from one another,according to another example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate respectively a front view of and a sectionalview through the aerosol delivery device of FIGS. 3 and 4, according toan example implementation;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate respectively a side view and a partiallycut-away view of an aerosol delivery device including a cartridgecoupled to a control body, according to example implementations;

FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit diagram of an aerosol delivery deviceaccording to various example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit diagram of signal conditioning circuitryaccording to an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example system diagram for functional control ofa device;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment of signal detector circuitry;

FIG. 13 illustrates example embodiments of a control signal;

FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments of an audio detector;

FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments of an optical detector;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example system diagram for functional control ofa device with an audio signal;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example system diagram for functional control ofa device with an optical signal;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating one example of the control signalprocess in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating one example of the audio signalprocess in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating one example of authentication witha host device in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates an example authentication key;

FIG. 22 illustrates a high level flow diagram for waking and unlockingan aerosol delivery device in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates a block diagram of various components of an aerosoldelivery device capable of waking prior to unlocking in order toconserve power prior to authentication in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 24 illustrates a block diagram of various components involved inwaking the aerosol delivery device in accordance with an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart showing operations associated withwaking, authenticating and locking/unlocking an aerosol delivery devicein accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to example implementations thereof. These exampleimplementations are described so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theimplementations set forth herein; rather, these implementations areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” “the” and the like include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, while reference maybe made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationshipsor the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all ofthese may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptablevariations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerancesor the like.

As described hereinafter, the present disclosure relates to requiring anauthentication of an age-restricted device, such as an aerosol deliverydevice or an electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) device. Theauthentication may include or require a prior age verification, suchthat the age-restricted device is not operational for a user that is notage-verified. The authentication may include the age-restricted devicereceiving a control signal for authenticating the device. The controlsignal may include audio signals and/or visual/optical signals forauthenticating the device.

An aerosol delivery device or ENDS are examples of such a device thatmay be associated with restriction, such as an age restriction. Otherexamples include delivery devices for delivery of cannabinoids, such asTetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or Cannabidiol (CBD), botanicals,medicinals, and/or other active ingredients. Thus, it will beappreciated that while an aerosol delivery or ENDS device is used as anexample application of various embodiments throughout, this example isintended to be non-limiting such that inventive concepts disclosedherein can be used with devices other than aerosol delivery or ENDSdevices, including aerosol delivery devices that may be used to deliverother medicinal and/or active ingredients to a user or may includesmokeless tobacco or other tobacco products.

The device authentication by a control signal can be in addition to, ormay be required as a prerequisite to, the user performing ageverification. A user that has not been age verified cannot authenticatea device. The authentication may need to be performed periodically forusage of an age-restricted product. There may be an age verificationsystem for confirming an age of a user and/or authenticating the properuser and/or device.

The functional control and authentication may be applicable to any agerestricted device or substance, including nicotine, cigarettes, alcohol,Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), CBD oil,cannabis/marijuana, botanicals, medicinals, and/or other age restrictedproducts. The authentication may be applicable to age-restricted devicesother than an aerosol delivery device. Likewise, although age is oneexample of a restriction for the device, there may be other types ofrestrictions on the device that are verified through authentication ofthe device.

Aerosol delivery devices are one example of a device that may berestricted and authentication may be accomplished with a control signalto the device. Aerosol delivery devices are further described withrespect to FIGS. 1-10. In other examples, the device may be aheat-not-burn device using an aerosol source member as a consumablerather than a cartridge. The aerosol delivery devices may be configuredto produce an aerosol (an inhalable substance) from an aerosol precursorcomposition (sometimes referred to as an inhalable substance medium).The aerosol precursor composition may comprise one or more of a solidtobacco material, a semi-solid tobacco material, or a liquid aerosolprecursor composition. In some implementations, the aerosol deliverydevices may be configured to heat and produce an aerosol from a fluidaerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid aerosol precursorcomposition). Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol precursorcomposition may comprise one or more substances mentioned above,including but not limited to botanical substances, medicinal substances,alcohol, glycerin, and may include nicotine, and/or other activeingredients including, but not limited to, botanical ingredients (e.g.,lavender, peppermint, chamomile, basil, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus,ginger, cannabis, ginseng, maca, and tisanes), stimulants (e.g.,caffeine and guarana), amino acids (e.g., taurine, theanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) and/or pharmaceutical,nutraceutical, and medicinal ingredients (e.g., vitamins, such as B6,B12, and C and cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) andcannabidiol (CBD)). Such aerosol delivery devices may include so-calledelectronic cigarettes. In other implementations, the aerosol deliverydevices may comprise heat-not-burn devices. In yet otherimplementations, the aerosol delivery devices may compriseno-heat-no-burn devices.

Liquid aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vaporprecursor composition or “e-liquid,” is particularly useful forelectronic cigarettes and no-heat-no-burn devices. Liquid aerosolprecursor composition may comprise a variety of components including, byway of example, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol,or a mixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract, and/orflavorants. In some examples, the aerosol precursor compositioncomprises glycerin and nicotine. In other examples, the composition mayadditionally or alternatively include alcohol, botanical ingredients(e.g., lavender, peppermint, chamomile, basil, rosemary, thyme,eucalyptus, ginger, cannabis, ginseng, maca, and tisanes), stimulants(e.g., caffeine and guarana), amino acids (e.g., taurine, theanine,phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), pharmaceutical, nutraceutical,and medicinal ingredients (e.g., vitamins, such as B6, B12, and C andcannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)),or other active ingredients, or some combination thereof.

Some liquid aerosol precursor compositions that may be used inconjunction with various implementations may include one or more acidssuch as levulinic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid,benzoic acid, fumaric acid, combinations thereof, and the like.Inclusion of an acid(s) in liquid aerosol precursor compositionsincluding nicotine may provide a protonated liquid aerosol precursorcomposition, including nicotine in salt form. Representative types ofliquid aerosol precursor components and formulations are set forth andcharacterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 9,254,002 to Chong et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2013/0008457to Zheng et al., 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al., and 2015/0020830 toKoller; as well as PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2014/182736 to Bowen etal.; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursorsthat may be employed include the aerosol precursors that have beenincorporated in any of a number of the representative productsidentified above. Also desirable are the so-called “smoke juices” forelectronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson CreekEnterprises LLC. Still further example aerosol precursor compositionsare sold under the brand names BLACK NOTE, COSMIC FOG, THE MILKMANE-LIQUID, FIVE PAWNS, THE VAPOR CHEF, VAPE WILD, BOOSTED, THE STEAMFACTORY, MECH SAUCE, CASEY JONES MAINLINE RESERVE, MITTEN VAPORS, DR.CRIMMMY'S V-LIQUID, SMILEY E LIQUID, BEANTOWN VAPOR, CUTTWOOD, CYCLOPSVAPOR, SICBOY, GOOD LIFE VAPOR, TELEOS, PINUP VAPORS, SPACE JAM, MT.BAKER VAPOR, and JIMMY THE JUICE MAN. Implementations of effervescentmaterials can be used with the aerosol precursor, and are described, byway of example, in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, the use ofeffervescent materials is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.4,639,368 to Niazi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,878 to Wehling et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,264 to Wehling et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,590 toPather et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,667 to Bergquist et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 8,424,541 to Crawford et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,627,828 to Stricklandet al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,787 to Sun et al.; as well as U.S. Pat.App. Pub. Nos. 2010/0018539 to Brinkley et al., and PCT Pat. App. Pub.No. WO 97/06786 to Johnson et al., all of which are incorporated byreference herein.

Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or other components forsupporting the aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,528,569 to Newton; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman etal.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0059780 to Davis et al.; and U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., all of which areincorporated herein by reference. Additionally, various wickingmaterials, and the configuration and operation of those wickingmaterials within certain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forthin U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated hereinby reference.

In other implementations, the aerosol delivery devices may compriseheat-not-burn devices, configured to heat a solid aerosol precursorcomposition (e.g., an extruded tobacco rod) or a semi-solid aerosolprecursor composition (e.g., a glycerin-loaded tobacco paste). Theaerosol precursor composition may comprise tobacco-containing beads,tobacco shreds, tobacco strips, reconstituted tobacco material, orcombinations thereof, and/or a mix of finely ground tobacco, tobaccoextract, spray dried tobacco extract, or other tobacco form mixed withoptional inorganic materials (such as calcium carbonate), optionalflavors, and aerosol forming materials to form a substantially solid ormoldable (e.g., extrudable) substrate. Representative types of solid andsemi-solid aerosol precursor compositions and formulations are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,538 to Thomas et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,726 toSebastian et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0083150 to Conner et al.;U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0157052 to Ademe et al.; and U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2017/0000188 to Nordskog et al., all of which are incorporatedby reference herein. Further representative types of solid andsemi-solid aerosol precursor compositions and arrangements include thosefound in the NEOSTIKS™ consumable aerosol source members for the GLO™product by British American Tobacco and in the HEETS™ consumable aerosolsource members for the IQOS™ product by Philip Morris International,Inc.

In various implementations, the inhalable substance specifically may bea tobacco component or a tobacco-derived material (i.e., a material thatis found naturally in tobacco that may be isolated directly from thetobacco or synthetically prepared). For example, the aerosol precursorcomposition may comprise tobacco extracts or fractions thereof combinedwith an inert substrate. The aerosol precursor composition may furthercomprise unburned tobacco or a composition containing unburned tobaccothat, when heated to a temperature below its combustion temperature,releases an inhalable substance. In some implementations, the aerosolprecursor composition may comprise tobacco condensates or fractionsthereof (i.e., condensed components of the smoke produced by thecombustion of tobacco, leaving flavors and, possibly, nicotine).

In other implementations, smokeless tobacco and other tobacco productsmay be examples of an age-restricted product rather than an aerosoldelivery or ENDS device. Representative smokeless tobacco products thathave been marketed may include those referred to as CAMEL Snus, CAMELOrbs, CAMEL Strips, and CAMEL Sticks by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company;GRIZZLY moist tobacco, KODIAK moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT loose tobaccoand TAYLOR'S PRIDE loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAKmoist snuff and CHATTANOOGA CHEW chewing tobacco by SwisherInternational, Inc.; REDMAN chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP;COPENHAGEN moist tobacco, COPENHAGEN Pouches, SKOAL Bandits, SKOALPouches, RED SEAL long cut and REVEL Mint Tobacco Packs by U.S.Smokeless Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO Snus and Taboka by Philip MorrisUSA. Representative types of snuff products, commonly referred to as“snus,” may be manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by orthrough companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB,Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S and Rocker Production AB.Snus products previously or currently available in the U.S.A. have beenmarketed under the trade names such as CAMEL Snus Frost, CAMEL SnusOriginal, and CAMEL Snus Spice, CAMEL Snus Mint, CAMEL Snus Mellow,CAMEL Snus Winterchill, and CAMEL Snus Robust by R. J. Reynolds TobaccoCompany. Smokeless tobacco products have been packaged in tins, “pucks”or “pots.” Other example products include nicotine lozenges, such asREVEL nicotine lozenges (R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company product), andtobacco-free nicotine pouched products, such as Zyn by Swedish Match andLYFT.

Tobacco materials useful in the present disclosure can vary and mayinclude, for example, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Orientaltobacco or Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco andRustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos, or blendsthereof. Tobacco materials also can include so-called “blended” formsand processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut-rolledor cut-puffed stems), volume expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco,such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), preferably in cut filler form),reconstituted tobaccos (e.g., reconstituted tobaccos manufactured usingpaper-making type or cast sheet type processes). Various representativetobacco types, processed types of tobaccos, and types of tobacco blendsare set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,224 to Lawson et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,924,888 to Perfetti et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,537 to Brown et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,930 toGentry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,023 to Blakley et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,701,936 to Shafer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,096 to Li et al., U.S.Pat. No. 7,017,585 to Li et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,066 to Lawsonet al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0255965 to Perfetti et al.; PCTPat. App. Pub. No. WO 02/37990 to Bereman; and Bombick et al., Fund.Appl. Toxicol., 39, p. 11-17 (1997), which are incorporated herein byreference. Further example tobacco compositions that may be useful in asmoking device, including according to the present disclosure, aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., which isincorporated herein by reference.

Still further, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise an inertsubstrate having the inhalable substance, or a precursor thereof,integrated therein or otherwise deposited thereon. For example, a liquidcomprising the inhalable substance may be coated on or absorbed oradsorbed into the inert substrate such that, upon application of heat,the inhalable substance is released in a form that can be withdrawn fromthe inventive article through application of positive or negativepressure. In some aspects, the aerosol precursor composition maycomprise a blend of flavorful and aromatic tobaccos in cut filler form.In another aspect, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise areconstituted tobacco material, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,807,809 to Pryor et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,143 to Pryor et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,025,814 to Raker, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. For further information regardingsuitable aerosol precursor composition, see U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/916,834 to Sur et al., filed Mar. 9, 2018, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Regardless of the type of aerosol precursor composition, aerosoldelivery devices may include an aerosol production component configuredto produce an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition. In thecase of an electronic cigarette or a heat-not-burn device, for example,the aerosol production component may be or include a heating element. Inthe case of a no-heat-no-burn device, in some examples, the aerosolproduction component may be or include a vibratable piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic mesh. In other words, there may not be a heating elementfor aerosol production. The aerosol delivery device of some embodimentsmay include a combination of elements to provide the aerosol productioncomponent, which can include both a heating element and an additionalelement, such as a vibrating aerosol production component (e.g., avibratable piezoceramic and/or other piezoelectric or piezomagneticmaterial) that cooperate to produce aerosol from an aerosol precursorcomposition.

One example of a suitable heating element is an induction heater. Suchheaters often comprise an induction transmitter and an inductionreceiver. The induction transmitter may include a coil configured tocreate an oscillating magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field that variesperiodically with time) when alternating current is directed through it.The induction receiver may be at least partially located or receivedwithin the induction transmitter and may include a conductive material(e.g., ferromagnetic material or an aluminum coated material). Bydirecting alternating current through the induction transmitter, eddycurrents may be generated in the induction receiver via induction. Theeddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material definingthe induction receiver may heat it by Joule heating (i.e., through theJoule effect). The induction receiver, which may define an atomizer, maybe wirelessly heated to form an aerosol from an aerosol precursorcomposition positioned in proximity to the induction receiver. Variousimplementations of an aerosol delivery device with an induction heaterare described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2017/0127722 to Davis et al.;U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2017/0202266 to Sur et al.; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/352,153 to Sur et al., filed Nov. 15, 2016; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/799,365 to Sebastian et al., filed Oct.31, 2017; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/836,086 to Sur, all ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

In other implementations including those described more particularlyherein, the heating element is a conductive heater such as in the caseof electrical resistance heater. These heaters may be configured toproduce heat when an electrical current is directed through it. Invarious implementations, a conductive heater may be provided in avariety forms, such as in the form of a foil, a foam, discs, spirals,fibers, wires, films, yarns, strips, ribbons or cylinders. Such heatersoften include a metal material and are configured to produce heat as aresult of the electrical resistance associated with passing anelectrical current through it. Such resistive heaters may be positionedin proximity to and heat an aerosol precursor composition to produce anaerosol. A variety of conductive substrates that may be usable with thepresent disclosure are described in the above-cited U.S. Pat. App. Pub.No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith et al.

In some implementations aerosol delivery devices may include a controlbody and a cartridge in the case of so-called electronic cigarettes orno-heat-no-burn devices, or a control body and an aerosol source memberin the case of heat-not-burn devices. The cartridge may be one exampleof a consumable for a device and the reference to a cartridge mayinclude other consumables. Other examples of an aerosol source member,may include a “stick” such as may contain tobacco, tobacco extract,aerosol former, nicotine, and/or other active ingredient that can beused in a heat not burn device. For example, NEOSTIKS' consumableaerosol source members for the GLO′ product by British American Tobaccoand in the BEETS' consumable aerosol source members for the IQOS'product by Philip Morris International, Inc. In the case of eitherelectronic cigarettes or heat-not-burn devices, the control body may bereusable, whereas the cartridge/aerosol source member may be configuredfor a limited number of uses and/or configured to be disposable. Variousmechanisms may connect the cartridge/aerosol source member to thecontrol body to result in a threaded engagement, a press-fit engagement,an interference fit, a sliding fit, a magnetic engagement, or the like.

The control body and cartridge/aerosol source member may includeseparate, respective housings or outer bodies, which may be formed ofany of a number of different materials. The housing may be formed of anysuitable, structurally-sound material. In some examples, the housing maybe formed of a metal or alloy, such as stainless steel, aluminum or thelike. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g.,polycarbonate), metal-plating over plastic, ceramics and the like.

The cartridge (i.e. aerosol source member) may include the aerosolprecursor composition. In order to produce aerosol from the aerosolprecursor composition, the aerosol production component (e.g., heatingelement, piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh) may be positioned in contactwith or proximate the aerosol precursor composition, such as across thecontrol body and cartridge, or in the control body in which the aerosolsource member may be positioned. The control body may include a powersource, which may be rechargeable or replaceable, and thereby thecontrol body may be reused with multiple cartridges/aerosol sourcemembers.

The control body may also include means to activate the aerosol deliverydevice such as a pushbutton, touch-sensitive surface or the like formanual control of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the controlbody may include a flow sensor to detect when a user draws on thecartridge/aerosol source member to thereby activate the aerosol deliverydevice. In some embodiments, the control body may include the heatingelement rather than being in the consumable or cartridge in otherembodiments.

In various implementations, the aerosol delivery device according to thepresent disclosure may have a variety of overall shapes, including, butnot limited to an overall shape that may be defined as beingsubstantially rod-like or substantially tubular shaped or substantiallycylindrically shaped. In the implementations shown in and described withreference to the accompanying figures, the aerosol delivery device has asubstantially round cross-section; however, other cross-sectional shapes(e.g., oval, square, rectangle, triangle, etc.) also are encompassed bythe present disclosure. Such language that is descriptive of thephysical shape of the article may also be applied to the individualcomponents thereof, including the control body and the cartridge/aerosolsource member. In other implementations, the control body may takeanother handheld shape, such as a small box shape.

In more specific implementations, one or both of the control body andthe cartridge/aerosol source member may be referred to as beingdisposable or as being reusable. For example, the control body may havea power source such as a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery,SSB, thin-film SSB, capacitor, photovoltaic, rechargeablesupercapacitor, lithium-ion or hybrid lithium-ion supercapacitor, or thelike. One example of a power source is a TKI-1550 rechargeablelithium-ion battery produced by Tadiran Batteries GmbH of Germany. Inanother implementation, a useful power source may be a N50-AAA CADNICAnickel-cadmium cell produced by Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd., of Japan.In other implementations, a plurality of such batteries, for exampleproviding 1.2-volts each, may be connected in series. In someimplementations, the power source is configured to provide an outputvoltage. The power source can power the aerosol production componentthat is powerable to produce an aerosol from an aerosol precursorcomposition. The power source may be connected with any type ofrecharging technology, such as a charging accessory as further discussedbelow.

Examples of power sources are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,484,155 toPeckerar et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2017/0112191 to Sur et al.,filed Oct. 21, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. Other examples of a suitable power source are provided inU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0283855 to Hawes et al., U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2014/0014125 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2013/0243410 to Nichols et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0313901 toFernando et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 9,439,454 to Fernando et al., all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. With respect to the flowsensor, representative current regulating components and other currentcontrolling components including various microcontrollers, sensors, andswitches for aerosol delivery devices are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and4,947,875, all to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCaffertyet al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No.7,040,314 to Nguyen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan; U.S. Pat.No. 8,881,737 to Collet et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 9,439,454 to Fernando et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub.No. 2015/0257445 to Henry et al., all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol deliveryarticles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in thepresent article include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,977 to Higginset al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,287to White; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,883 toFelter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Pat. No.7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Pat. No.7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Pat. Nos.8,156,944 and 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,231 to Thorens etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,083 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,915,254and 8,925,555 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 9,220,302 to DePiano etal.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2006/0196518 and 2009/0188490 to Hon; U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub.No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2010/091593 to Hon;and PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2013/089551 to Foo, each of which isincorporated herein by reference. Further, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2017/0099877 to Worm et al., discloses capsules that may be included inaerosol delivery devices and fob-shape configurations for aerosoldelivery devices, and is incorporated herein by reference. A variety ofthe materials disclosed by the foregoing documents may be incorporatedinto the present devices in various implementations, and all of theforegoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

Yet other features, controls or components that can be incorporated intoaerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkinset al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No.6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon; U.S.Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2005/0016550 to Katase; U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al.; U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al.; U.S. Pat. No.9,427,022 to Leven et al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0180553 to Kimet al.; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al.; U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.9,220,302 to DePiano et al., all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In another aspect, the present disclosure may be directed to kits thatprovide a variety of components as described herein. For example, a kitmay comprise a control body with one or more cartridges or aerosolsource members. A kit may further include a charging accessory describedbelow, along with one or more batteries, and a control body with one ormore cartridges. A kit may further comprise a plurality of cartridgesand one or more batteries and/or a charging accessory. In the aboveembodiments, the cartridges or the control bodies may be provided with aheating member inclusive thereto. The inventive kits may further includea case (or other packaging, carrying, or storage component) thataccommodates one or more of the further kit components. Alternatively, acharging accessory may be a case in one of the kits. The case could be areusable hard or soft container. Further, the case could be simply a boxor other packaging structure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate implementations of an aerosol delivery deviceincluding a control body and a cartridge in the case of an electroniccigarette. In this regard, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol deliverydevice 100 according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. As indicated, the aerosol delivery device may include acontrol body 102 (i.e. battery portion) and a cartridge 104. Asdescribed below, operation of the device, such as when the cartridge 104is installed, may require the authentication along with ageverification. The control body and the cartridge can be permanently ordetachably aligned in a functioning relationship. In this regard, FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device in acoupled configuration, whereas FIG. 2 illustrates a partially cut-awayside view of the aerosol delivery device in a decoupled configuration.The aerosol delivery device may, for example, be substantially rod-like,substantially tubular shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped insome implementations when the control body and the cartridge are in anassembled configuration.

The control body 102 and the cartridge 104 can be configured to engageone another by a variety of connections, such as a press fit (orinterference fit) connection, a threaded connection, a magneticconnection, or the like. As such, the control body may include a firstengaging element (e.g., a coupler) that is adapted to engage a secondengaging element (e.g., a connector) on the cartridge. The firstengaging element and the second engaging element may be reversible. Asan example, either of the first engaging element or the second engagingelement may be a male thread, and the other may be a female thread. As afurther example, either the first engaging element or the secondengaging element may be a magnet, and the other may be a metal or amatching magnet. In particular implementations, engaging elements may bedefined directly by existing components of the control body and thecartridge. For example, the housing of the control body may define acavity at an end thereof that is configured to receive at least aportion of the cartridge (e.g., a storage tank or other shell-formingelement of the cartridge). In particular, a storage tank of thecartridge may be at least partially received within the cavity of thecontrol body while a mouthpiece of the cartridge remains exposed outsideof the cavity of the control body. The cartridge may be retained withinthe cavity formed by the control body housing, such as by aninterference fit (e.g., through use of detents and/or other featurescreating an interference engagement between an outer surface of thecartridge and an interior surface of a wall forming the control bodycavity), by a magnetic engagement (e.g., though use of magnets and/ormagnetic metals positioned within the cavity of the control body andpositioned on the cartridge), or by other suitable techniques.

As seen in the cut-away view illustrated in FIG. 2, the control body 102and cartridge 104 each include a number of respective components. Thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 2 are representative of the componentsthat may be present in a control body and cartridge and are not intendedto limit the scope of components that are encompassed by the presentdisclosure. In one embodiment, the control body 102 may be referred toas a battery portion. As shown, for example, the control body 102 can beformed of a housing 206 (sometimes referred to as a control body shell)that can include a control component 208 (e.g., processing circuitry,etc.), a flow sensor 210, a power source 212 (e.g., battery,supercapacitor), and an indicator 214 (e.g., LED, quantum dot-basedLED), and such components can be variably aligned. The power source maybe rechargeable, and the control component may include a switch andprocessing circuitry coupled to the flow sensor and the switch. Theprocessing circuitry may be configured to prevent access (lock) thedevice depending on the authentication or age verification status. Inone example, the device may start in a locked state in which usage isprevented, but will be usable once the device is authenticated uponreceipt of the correct control signal at the device. In other words, thedefault state of the device may be locked and authentication (along withage verification) unlocks the device.

The cartridge 104 can be formed of a housing 216 (sometimes referred toas the cartridge shell) enclosing a reservoir 218 configured to retainthe aerosol precursor composition, and including a heating element 220(aerosol production component). In various configurations, thisstructure may be referred to as a tank; and accordingly, the terms“cartridge,” “tank” and the like may be used interchangeably to refer toa shell or other housing enclosing a reservoir for aerosol precursorcomposition, and including a heating element.

As shown, in some examples, the reservoir 218 may be in fluidcommunication with a liquid transport element 222 adapted to wick orotherwise transport an aerosol precursor composition stored in thereservoir housing to the heating element 220. In some examples, a valvemay be positioned between the reservoir and heating element, andconfigured to control an amount of aerosol precursor composition passedor delivered from the reservoir to the heating element.

Various examples of materials configured to produce heat when electricalcurrent is applied therethrough may be employed to form the heatingelement 220. The heating element in these examples may be a resistiveheating element such as a wire coil, micro heater or the like. Examplematerials from which the heating element may be formed include Kanthal(FeCrAl), nichrome, nickel, stainless steel, indium tin oxide, tungsten,molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), molybdenumdisilicide doped with aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)2), titanium, platinum, silver,palladium, alloys of silver and palladium, graphite and graphite-basedmaterials (e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns), conductive inks, borondoped silica, and ceramics (e.g., positive or negative temperaturecoefficient ceramics). The heating element may be resistive heatingelement or a heating element configured to generate heat throughinduction. The heating element may be coated by heat conductive ceramicssuch as aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, beryllium oxide, alumina,silicon nitride, or their composites. Example implementations of heatingelements useful in aerosol delivery devices according to the presentdisclosure are further described below, and can be incorporated intodevices such as those described herein.

An opening 224 may be present in the housing 216 (e.g., at the mouthend) to allow for egress of formed aerosol from the cartridge 104.

The cartridge 104 also may include one or more electronic components226, which may include an integrated circuit, a memory component (e.g.,EEPROM, flash memory), a sensor, or the like. The electronic componentsmay be adapted to communicate with the control component 208 and/or withan external device by wired or wireless means. The electronic componentsmay be positioned anywhere within the cartridge or a base 228 thereof.

Although the control component 208 and the flow sensor 210 areillustrated separately, it is understood that various electroniccomponents including the control component and the flow sensor may becombined on a circuit board (e.g., PCB) that supports and electricallyconnects the electronic components. Further, the circuit board may bepositioned horizontally relative the illustration of FIG. 1 in that thecircuit board can be lengthwise parallel to the central axis of thecontrol body. In some examples, the air flow sensor may comprise its owncircuit board or other base element to which it can be attached. In someexamples, a flexible circuit board may be utilized. A flexible circuitboard may be configured into a variety of shapes, include substantiallytubular shapes. In some examples, a flexible circuit board may becombined with, layered onto, or form part or all of a heater substrate.

The control body 102 and the cartridge 104 may include componentsadapted to facilitate a fluid engagement therebetween. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the control body can include a coupler 230 having a cavity 232therein. The base 228 of the cartridge can be adapted to engage thecoupler and can include a projection 234 adapted to fit within thecavity. Such engagement can facilitate a stable connection between thecontrol body and the cartridge as well as establish an electricalconnection between the power source 212 and control component 208 in thecontrol body and the heating element 220 in the cartridge. Further, thehousing 206 can include an air intake 236, which may be a notch in thehousing where it connects to the coupler that allows for passage ofambient air around the coupler and into the housing where it then passesthrough the cavity 232 of the coupler and into the cartridge through theprojection 234.

A coupler and a base useful according to the present disclosure aredescribed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., whichis incorporated herein by reference. For example, the coupler 230 asseen in FIG. 2 may define an outer periphery 238 configured to mate withan inner periphery 240 of the base 228. In one example the innerperiphery of the base may define a radius that is substantially equalto, or slightly greater than, a radius of the outer periphery of thecoupler. Further, the coupler may define one or more protrusions 242 atthe outer periphery configured to engage one or more recesses 244defined at the inner periphery of the base. However, various otherexamples of structures, shapes and components may be employed to couplethe base to the coupler. In some examples the connection between thebase of the cartridge 104 and the coupler of the control body 102 may besubstantially permanent, whereas in other examples the connectiontherebetween may be releasable such that, for example, the control bodymay be reused with one or more additional cartridges that may bedisposable and/or refillable.

The reservoir 218 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be a container or can be afibrous reservoir, as presently described. For example, the reservoircan comprise one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formedinto the shape of a tube encircling the interior of the housing 216, inthis example. An aerosol precursor composition can be retained in thereservoir. Liquid components, for example, can be sorptively retained bythe reservoir. The reservoir can be in fluid connection with the liquidtransport element 222. The liquid transport element can transport theaerosol precursor composition stored in the reservoir via capillaryaction—or via a micro pump—to the heating element 220 that is in theform of a metal wire coil in this example. As such, the heating elementis in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element.

In some examples, a microfluidic chip may be embedded in the reservoir218, and the amount and/or mass of aerosol precursor compositiondelivered from the reservoir may be controlled by a micro pump, such asone based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Otherexample implementations of reservoirs and transport elements useful inaerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosure are furtherdescribed herein, and such reservoirs and/or transport elements can beincorporated into devices such as those described herein. In particular,specific combinations of heating members and transport elements asfurther described herein may be incorporated into devices such as thosedescribed herein.

In use, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device 100, airflow isdetected by the flow sensor 210, and the heating element 220 isactivated to vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.Drawing upon the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device causes ambientair to enter the air intake 236 and pass through the cavity 232 in thecoupler 230 and the central opening in the projection 234 of the base228. In the cartridge 104, the drawn air combines with the formed vaporto form an aerosol. The aerosol is whisked, aspirated or otherwise drawnaway from the heating element and out the opening 224 in the mouth endof the aerosol delivery device.

For further detail regarding implementations of an aerosol deliverydevice including a control body and a cartridge in the case of anelectronic cigarette, see the above-cited U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/836,086 to Sur; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/916,834to Sur et al.; as well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/916,696 toSur, filed Mar. 9, 2018, which is also incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate implementations of an aerosol delivery deviceincluding a control body and an aerosol source member in the case of aheat-not-burn device. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosoldelivery device 300 according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure. The aerosol delivery device may include a controlbody 302 and an aerosol source member 304. In various implementations,the aerosol source member and the control body can be permanently ordetachably aligned in a functioning relationship. In this regard, FIG. 3illustrates the aerosol delivery device in a coupled configuration,whereas FIG. 4 illustrates the aerosol delivery device in a decoupledconfiguration.

As shown in FIG. 4, in various implementations of the presentdisclosure, the aerosol source member 304 may comprise a heated end 406,which is configured to be inserted into the control body 302, and amouth end 408, upon which a user draws to create the aerosol. In variousimplementations, at least a portion of the heated end may include anaerosol precursor composition 410.

In various implementations, the aerosol source member 304, or a portionthereof, may be wrapped in an exterior overwrap material 412, which maybe formed of any material useful for providing additional structureand/or support for the aerosol source member. In variousimplementations, the exterior overwrap material may comprise a materialthat resists transfer of heat, which may include a paper or otherfibrous material, such as a cellulose material. The exterior overwrapmaterial may also include at least one filler material imbedded ordispersed within the fibrous material. In various implementations, thefiller material may have the form of water insoluble particles.Additionally, the filler material may incorporate inorganic components.In various implementations, the exterior overwrap may be formed ofmultiple layers, such as an underlying, bulk layer and an overlyinglayer, such as a typical wrapping paper in a cigarette. Such materialsmay include, for example, lightweight “rag fibers” such as flax, hemp,sisal, rice straw, and/or esparto. The exterior overwrap may alsoinclude a material typically used in a filter element of a conventionalcigarette, such as cellulose acetate.

Further, an excess length of the overwrap at the mouth end 408 of theaerosol source member may function to simply separate the aerosolprecursor composition 410 from the mouth of a consumer or to providespace for positioning of a filter material, as described below, or toaffect draw on the article or to affect flow characteristics of thevapor or aerosol leaving the device during draw. Further discussionrelating to the configurations for overwrap materials that may be usedwith the present disclosure may be found in the above-cited U.S. Pat.No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al.

In various implementations other components may exist between theaerosol precursor composition 410 and the mouth end 408 of the aerosolsource member 304, wherein the mouth end may include a filter 414, whichmay, for example, be made of a cellulose acetate or polypropylenematerial. The filter may additionally or alternatively contain strandsof tobacco containing material, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,025,814 to Raker et al., which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. In various implementations, the filter may increase thestructural integrity of the mouth end of the aerosol source member,and/or provide filtering capacity, if desired, and/or provide resistanceto draw. In some implementations one or any combination of the followingmay be positioned between the aerosol precursor composition and themouth end: an air gap; phase change materials for cooling air; flavorreleasing media; ion exchange fibers capable of selective chemicaladsorption; aerogel particles as filter medium; and other suitablematerials.

Various implementations of the present disclosure employ one or moreconductive heating elements to heat the aerosol precursor composition410 of the aerosol source member 304. In various implementations, theheating element may be provided in a variety forms, such as in the formof a foil, a foam, a mesh, a hollow ball, a half ball, discs, spirals,fibers, wires, films, yarns, strips, ribbons, or cylinders. Such heatingelements often comprise a metal material and are configured to produceheat as a result of the electrical resistance associated with passing anelectrical current therethrough. Such resistive heating elements may bepositioned in direct contact with, or in proximity to, the aerosolsource member and particularly, the aerosol precursor composition of theaerosol source member. The heating element may be located in the controlbody and/or the aerosol source member. In various implementations, theaerosol precursor composition may include components (i.e., heatconducting constituents) that are imbedded in, or otherwise part of, thesubstrate portion that may serve as, or facilitate the function of, theheating assembly. Some examples of various heating members and elementsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al.

Some non-limiting examples of various heating element configurationsinclude configurations in which a heating element is placed in proximitywith the aerosol source member 304. For instance, in some examples, atleast a portion of a heating element may surround at least a portion ofan aerosol source member. In other examples, one or more heatingelements may be positioned adjacent an exterior of an aerosol sourcemember when inserted in the control body 302. In other examples, atleast a portion of a heating element may penetrate at least a portion ofan aerosol source member (such as, for example, one or more prongsand/or spikes that penetrate an aerosol source member), when the aerosolsource member is inserted into the control body. In some instances, theaerosol precursor composition may include a structure in contact with,or a plurality of beads or particles imbedded in, or otherwise part of,the aerosol precursor composition that may serve as, or facilitate thefunction of the heating element.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device 300according to an example implementation of the present disclosure, andFIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view through the aerosol delivery deviceof FIG. 5. In particular, the control body 302 of the depictedimplementation may comprise a housing 516 that includes an opening 518defined in an engaging end thereof, a flow sensor 520 (e.g., a puffsensor or pressure switch), a control component 522 (e.g., processingcircuitry, etc.), a power source 524 (e.g., battery, supercapacitor),and an end cap that includes an indicator 526 (e.g., a LED). The powersource may be rechargeable, and the control component may include aswitch and processing circuitry coupled to the flow sensor and theswitch. The processing circuitry may be configured to prevent operationwith the switch if the age verification fails as further discussedbelow. The default state of the device may be with the switch notconnected and the switch is connected upon authentication (which may bebased on verification).

In one implementation, the indicator 526 may comprise one or more LEDs,quantum dot-based LEDs or the like. The indicator can be incommunication with the control component 522 and be illuminated, forexample, when a user draws on the aerosol source member 304, whencoupled to the control body 302, as detected by the flow sensor 520.

The control body 302 of the depicted implementation includes one or moreheating assemblies 528 (individually or collectively referred to aheating assembly) configured to heat the aerosol precursor composition410 of the aerosol source member 304. Although the heating assembly ofvarious implementations of the present disclosure may take a variety offorms, in the particular implementation depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, theheating assembly comprises an outer cylinder 530 and a heating element532 (aerosol production component), which in this implementationcomprises a plurality of heater prongs that extend from a receiving base534 (in various configurations, the heating assembly or morespecifically the heater prongs may be referred to as a heater). In thedepicted implementation, the outer cylinder comprises a double-walledvacuum tube constructed of stainless steel to maintain heat generated bythe heater prongs within the outer cylinder, and more particularly,maintain heat generated by heater prongs within the aerosol precursorcomposition. In various implementations, the heater prongs may beconstructed of one or more conductive materials, including, but notlimited to, copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, silver, iron, steel,brass, bronze, graphite, or any combination thereof.

As illustrated, the heating assembly 528 may extend proximate anengagement end of the housing 516, and may be configured tosubstantially surround a portion of the heated end 406 of the aerosolsource member 304 that includes the aerosol precursor composition 410.In such a manner, the heating assembly may define a generally tubularconfiguration. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heating element 532(e.g., plurality of heater prongs) is surrounded by the outer cylinder530 to create a receiving chamber 536. In such a manner, in variousimplementations the outer cylinder may comprise a nonconductiveinsulating material and/or construction including, but not limited to,an insulating polymer (e.g., plastic or cellulose), glass, rubber,ceramic, porcelain, a double-walled vacuum structure, or anycombinations thereof.

In some implementations, one or more portions or components of theheating assembly 528 may be combined with, packaged with, and/orintegral with (e.g., embedded within) the aerosol precursor composition410. For example, in some implementations the aerosol precursorcomposition may be formed of a material as described above and mayinclude one or more conductive materials mixed therein. In some of theseimplementations, contacts may be connected directly to the aerosolprecursor composition such that, when the aerosol source member isinserted into the receiving chamber of the control body, the contactsmake electrical connection with the electrical energy source.Alternatively, the contacts may be integral with the electrical energysource and may extend into the receiving chamber such that, when theaerosol source member is inserted into the receiving chamber of thecontrol body, the contacts make electrical connection with the aerosolprecursor composition. Because of the presence of the conductivematerial in the aerosol precursor composition, the application of powerfrom the electrical energy source to the aerosol precursor compositionallows electrical current to flow and thus produce heat from theconductive material. Thus, in some implementations the heating elementmay be described as being integral with the aerosol precursorcomposition. As a non-limiting example, graphite or other suitable,conductive material may be mixed with, embedded in, or otherwise presentdirectly on or within the material forming the aerosol precursorcomposition to make the heating element integral with the medium.

As noted above, in the illustrated implementation, the outer cylinder530 may also serve to facilitate proper positioning of the aerosolsource member 304 when the aerosol source member is inserted into thehousing 516. In various implementations, the outer cylinder of theheating assembly 528 may engage an internal surface of the housing toprovide for alignment of the heating assembly with respect to thehousing. Thereby, as a result of the fixed coupling between the heatingassembly, a longitudinal axis of the heating assembly may extendsubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing. Inparticular, the support cylinder may extend from the opening 518 of thehousing to the receiving base 534 to create the receiving chamber 536.

The heated end 406 of the aerosol source member 304 is sized and shapedfor insertion into the control body 302. In various implementations, thereceiving chamber 536 of the control body may be characterized as beingdefined by a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, the innersurface defining the interior volume of the receiving chamber. Forexample, in the depicted implementations, the outer cylinder 530 definesan inner surface defining the interior volume of the receiving chamber.In the illustrated implementation, an inner diameter of the outercylinder may be slightly larger than or approximately equal to an outerdiameter of a corresponding aerosol source member (e.g., to create asliding fit) such that the outer cylinder is configured to guide theaerosol source member into the proper position (e.g., lateral position)with respect to the control body. Thus, the largest outer diameter (orother dimension depending upon the specific cross-sectional shape of theimplementations) of the aerosol source member may be sized to be lessthan the inner diameter (or other dimension) at the inner surface of thewall of the open end of the receiving chamber in the control body. Insome implementations, the difference in the respective diameters may besufficiently small so that the aerosol source member fits snugly intothe receiving chamber, and frictional forces prevent the aerosol sourcemember from being moved without an applied force. On the other hand, thedifference may be sufficient to allow the aerosol source member to slideinto or out of the receiving chamber without requiring undue force.

In the illustrated implementation, the control body 302 is configuredsuch that when the aerosol source member 304 is inserted into thecontrol body, the heating element 532 (e.g., heater prongs) is locatedin the approximate radial center of at least a portion of the aerosolprecursor composition 410 of the heated end 406 of the aerosol sourcemember. In such a manner, when used in conjunction with a solid orsemi-solid aerosol precursor composition, the heater prongs may be indirect contact with the aerosol precursor composition. In otherimplementations, such as when used in conjunction with an extrudedaerosol precursor composition that defines a tube structure, the heaterprongs may be located inside of a cavity defined by an inner surface ofthe extruded tube structure, and would not contact the inner surface ofthe extruded tube structure.

During use, the consumer initiates heating of the heating assembly 528,and in particular, the heating element 532 that is adjacent the aerosolprecursor composition 410 (or a specific layer thereof). Heating of theaerosol precursor composition releases the inhalable substance withinthe aerosol source member 304 so as to yield the inhalable substance.When the consumer inhales on the mouth end 408 of the aerosol sourcemember, air is drawn into the aerosol source member through an airintake 538 such as openings or apertures in the control body 302. Thecombination of the drawn air and the released inhalable substance isinhaled by the consumer as the drawn materials exit the mouth end of theaerosol source member. In some implementations, to initiate heating, theconsumer may manually actuate a pushbutton or similar component thatcauses the heating element of the heating assembly to receive electricalenergy from the battery or other energy source. The electrical energymay be supplied for a pre-determined length of time or may be manuallycontrolled.

In some implementations, flow of electrical energy does notsubstantially proceed in between puffs on the device 300 (althoughenergy flow may proceed to maintain a baseline temperature greater thanambient temperature—e.g., a temperature that facilitates rapid heatingto the active heating temperature). In the depicted implementation,however, heating is initiated by the puffing action of the consumerthrough use of one or more sensors, such as flow sensor 520. Once thepuff is discontinued, heating will stop or be reduced. When the consumerhas taken a sufficient number of puffs so as to have released asufficient amount of the inhalable substance (e.g., an amount sufficientto equate to a typical smoking experience), the aerosol source member304 may be removed from the control body 302 and discarded. In someimplementations, further sensing elements, such as capacitive sensingelements and other sensors, may be used as discussed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/707,461 to Phillips et al., which isincorporated herein by reference.

In various implementations, the aerosol source member 304 may be formedof any material suitable for forming and maintaining an appropriateconformation, such as a tubular shape, and for retaining therein theaerosol precursor composition 410. In some implementations, the aerosolsource member may be formed of a single wall or, in otherimplementations, multiple walls, and may be formed of a material(natural or synthetic) that is heat resistant so as to retain itsstructural integrity—e.g., does not degrade—at least at a temperaturethat is the heating temperature provided by the electrical heatingelement, as further discussed herein. While in some implementations, aheat resistant polymer may be used, in other implementations, theaerosol source member may be formed from paper, such as a paper that issubstantially straw-shaped. As further discussed herein, the aerosolsource member may have one or more layers associated therewith thatfunction to substantially prevent movement of vapor therethrough. In oneexample implementation, an aluminum foil layer may be laminated to onesurface of the aerosol source member. Ceramic materials also may beused. In further implementations, an insulating material may be used soas not to unnecessarily move heat away from the aerosol precursorcomposition. Further example types of components and materials that maybe used to provide the functions described above or be used asalternatives to the materials and components noted above can be those ofthe types set forth in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos. 2010/00186757 to Crookset al., 2010/00186757 to Crooks et al., and 2011/0041861 to Sebastian etal., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In the depicted implementation, the control body 302 includes a controlcomponent 522 that controls the various functions of the aerosoldelivery device 300, including providing power to the electrical heatingelement 532. For example, the control component may include processingcircuitry (which may be connected to further components, as furtherdescribed herein) that is connected by electrically conductive wires(not shown) to the power source 524. In various implementations, theprocessing circuitry may control when and how the heating assembly 528,and particularly the heater prongs, receives electrical energy to heatthe aerosol precursor composition 410 for release of the inhalablesubstance for inhalation by a consumer. In some implementations, suchcontrol may be activated by a flow sensor 520 as described in greaterdetail above.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heating assembly 528 of the depictedimplementation comprises an outer cylinder 530 and a heating element 532(e.g., plurality of heater prongs) that extend from a receiving base534. In some implementations, such as those wherein the aerosolprecursor composition 410 comprises a tube structure, the heater prongsmay be configured to extend into a cavity defined by the inner surfaceof the aerosol precursor composition. In other implementations, such asthe depicted implementation wherein the aerosol precursor compositioncomprises a solid or semi-solid, the plurality of heater prongs areconfigured to penetrate into the aerosol precursor composition containedin the heated end 406 of the aerosol source member 304 when the aerosolsource member is inserted into the control body 302. In suchimplementations, one or more of the components of the heating assembly,including the heater prongs and/or the receiving base, may beconstructed of a non-stick or stick-resistant material, for example,certain aluminum, copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramicmaterials. In other implementations, one or more of the components ofthe heating assembly, including the heater prongs and/or the receivingbase, may include a non-stick coating, including, for example, apolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, such as Teflon®, or othercoatings, such as a stick-resistant enamel coating, or a ceramiccoating, such as Greblon®, or Thermolon™, or a ceramic coating, such asGreblon®, or Thermolon™.

In addition, although in the depicted implementation there are multipleheater prongs 532 that are substantially equally distributed about thereceiving base 534, it should be noted that in other implementations,any number of heater prongs may be used, including as few as one, withany other suitable spatial configuration. Furthermore, in variousimplementations the length of the heater prongs may vary. For example,in some implementations the heater prongs may comprise smallprojections, while in other implementations the heater prongs may extendany portion of the length of the receiving chamber 536, including up toabout 25%, up to about 50%, up to about 75%, and up to about the fulllength of the receiving chamber. In still other implementations, theheating assembly 528 may take on other configurations. Examples of otherheater configurations that may be adapted for use in the presentinvention per the discussion provided above can be found in U.S. Pat.No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,460 toSprinkel Jr., et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,850 to Das, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,656 to Das, U.S.Pat. No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,225 toHajaligol, U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol, and U.S. Pat. No.5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer etal., which are incorporated herein by reference.

In various implementations, the control body 302 may include an airintake 538 (e.g., one or more openings or apertures) therein forallowing entrance of ambient air into the interior of the receivingchamber 536. In such a manner, in some implementations the receivingbase 534 may also include an air intake. Thus, in some implementationswhen a consumer draws on the mouth end of the aerosol source member 304,air can be drawn through the air intake of the control body and thereceiving base into the receiving chamber, pass into the aerosol sourcemember, and be drawn through the aerosol precursor composition 410 ofthe aerosol source member for inhalation by the consumer. In someimplementations, the drawn air carries the inhalable substance throughthe optional filter 414 and out of an opening at the mouth end 408 ofthe aerosol source member. With the heating element 532 positionedinside the aerosol precursor composition, the heater prongs may beactivated to heat the aerosol precursor composition and cause release ofthe inhalable substance through the aerosol source member.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 in particular,various implementations of the present disclosure employ a conductiveheater to heat the aerosol precursor composition 410. As also indicatedabove, various other implementations employ an induction heater to heatthe aerosol precursor composition. In some of these implementations, theheating assembly 528 may be configured as an induction heater thatcomprises a transformer with an induction transmitter and an inductionreceiver. In implementations in which the heating assembly is configuredas the induction heater, the outer cylinder 530 may be configured as theinduction transmitter, and the heating element 532 (e.g., plurality ofheater prongs) that extend from the receiving base 534 may be configuredas the induction receiver. In various implementations, one or both ofthe induction transmitter and induction receiver may be located in thecontrol body 302 and/or the aerosol source member 304.

In various implementations, the outer cylinder 530 and heating element532 as the induction transmitter and induction receiver may beconstructed of one or more conductive materials, and in furtherimplementations the induction receiver may be constructed of aferromagnetic material including, but not limited to, cobalt, iron,nickel, and combinations thereof. In one example implementation, thefoil material is constructed of a conductive material and the heaterprongs are constructed of a ferromagnetic material. In variousimplementations, the receiving base may be constructed of anon-conductive and/or insulating material.

The outer cylinder 530 as the induction transmitter may include alaminate with a foil material that surrounds a support cylinder. In someimplementations, the foil material may include an electrical traceprinted thereon, such as, for example, one or more electrical tracesthat may, in some implementations, form a helical coil pattern when thefoil material is positioned around the heating element 532 as theinduction receiver. The foil material and support cylinder may eachdefine a tubular configuration. The support cylinder may be configuredto support the foil material such that the foil material does not moveinto contact with, and thereby short-circuit with, the heater prongs. Insuch a manner, the support cylinder may comprise a nonconductivematerial, which may be substantially transparent to an oscillatingmagnetic field produced by the foil material. In variousimplementations, the foil material may be imbedded in, or otherwisecoupled to, the support cylinder. In the illustrated implementation, thefoil material is engaged with an outer surface of the support cylinder;however, in other implementations, the foil material may be positionedat an inner surface of the support cylinder or be fully imbedded in thesupport cylinder.

The foil material of the outer cylinder 530 may be configured to createan oscillating magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field that variesperiodically with time) when alternating current is directed through it.The heater prongs of the heating element 532 may be at least partiallylocated or received within the outer cylinder and include a conductivematerial. By directing alternating current through the foil material,eddy currents may be generated in the heater prongs via induction. Theeddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material definingthe heater prongs may heat it by Joule heating (i.e., through the Jouleeffect). The heater prongs may be wirelessly heated to form an aerosolfrom the aerosol precursor composition 410 positioned in proximity tothe heater prongs.

Other implementations of the aerosol delivery device, control body andaerosol source member are described in the above-cited U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/916,834 to Sur et al.; U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/916,696 to Sur; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/836,086 to Sur.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate implementations of an aerosol delivery deviceincluding a control body and a cartridge in the case of ano-heat-no-burn device. In this regard, FIG. 7 illustrates a side viewof an aerosol delivery device 700 including a control body 702 and acartridge 704, according to various example implementations of thepresent disclosure. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates the control bodyand the cartridge coupled to one another. The control body and thecartridge may be detachably aligned in a functioning relationship.

FIG. 8 more particularly illustrates the aerosol delivery device 700, inaccordance with some example implementations. As seen in the cut-awayview illustrated therein, again, the aerosol delivery device cancomprise a control body 702 and a cartridge 704 each of which include anumber of respective components. The components illustrated in FIG. 8are representative of the components that may be present in a controlbody and cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of componentsthat are encompassed by the present disclosure. As shown, for example,the control body can be formed of a control body housing or shell 806that can include a control component 808 (e.g., processing circuitry,etc.), an input device 810, a power source 812 and an indicator 814(e.g., LED, quantum dot-based LED), and such components can be variablyaligned. Here, a particular example of a suitable control componentincludes the PIC16(L)F1713/6 microcontrollers from Microchip TechnologyInc., which is described in Microchip Technology, Inc., AN2265,Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer Reference Design (2016), which is incorporatedby reference.

The cartridge 704 can be formed of a housing—referred to at times as acartridge shell 816—enclosing a reservoir 818 configured to retain theaerosol precursor composition, and including a nozzle 820 having apiezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh (aerosol production component). Similarto above, in various configurations, this structure may be referred toas a tank.

The reservoir 818 illustrated in FIG. 8 can be a container or can be afibrous reservoir, as presently described. The reservoir may be in fluidcommunication with the nozzle 820 for transport of an aerosol precursorcomposition stored in the reservoir housing to the nozzle. An opening822 may be present in the cartridge shell 816 (e.g., at the mouthend) toallow for egress of formed aerosol from the cartridge 704.

In some examples, a transport element may be positioned between thereservoir 818 and nozzle 820, and configured to control an amount ofaerosol precursor composition passed or delivered from the reservoir tothe nozzle. In some examples, a microfluidic chip may be embedded in thecartridge 704, and the amount and/or mass of aerosol precursorcomposition delivered from the reservoir may be controlled by one ormore microfluidic components. One example of a microfluidic component isa micro pump 824, such as one based on microelectromechanical systems(MEMS) technology. Examples of suitable micro pumps include the modelMDP2205 micro pump and others from thinXXS Microtechnology AG, the mp5and mp6 model micro pumps and others from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH, andpiezoelectric micro pumps from Takasago Fluidic Systems.

As also shown, in some examples, a micro filter 826 may be positionedbetween the micro pump 824 and nozzle 820 to filter aerosol precursorcomposition delivered to the nozzle. Like the micro pump, the microfilter is a microfluidic component. Examples of suitable micro filtersinclude flow-through micro filters those manufactured usinglab-on-a-chip (LOC) techniques.

In use, when the input device 810 detects user input to activate theaerosol delivery device, the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh isactivated to vibrate and thereby draw aerosol precursor compositionthrough the mesh. This forms droplets of aerosol precursor compositionthat combine with air to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whisked,aspirated or otherwise drawn away from the mesh and out the opening 822in the mouthend of the aerosol delivery device.

The aerosol delivery device 700 can incorporate the input device 810such as a switch, sensor or detector for control of supply of electricpower to the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh of the nozzle 820 whenaerosol generation is desired (e.g., upon draw during use). As such, forexample, there is provided a manner or method of turning off power tothe mesh when the aerosol delivery device is not being drawn upon duringuse, and for turning on power to actuate or trigger the production anddispensing of aerosol from the nozzle during draw. Additionalrepresentative types of sensing or detection mechanisms, structure andconfiguration thereof, components thereof, and general methods ofoperation thereof, are described above and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 toSprinkel, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCTPat. App. Pub. No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

For more information regarding the above and other implementations of anaerosol delivery device in the case of a no-heat-no-burn device, seeU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/651,548 to Sur., filed Jul. 17,2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As described above, the aerosol delivery device of exampleimplementations may include various electronic components in the contextof an electronic cigarette, heat-not-burn device or no-heat-no-burndevice, or even in the case of a device that includes the functionalityof one or more of an electronic cigarette, heat-not-burn device orno-heat-no-burn device. FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit diagram of anaerosol delivery device 900 that may be or incorporate functionality ofany one or more of aerosol delivery devices 100, 300, 700 according tovarious example implementations of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol delivery device 900 includes a controlbody 902 with a power source 904 and a control component 906 that maycorrespond to or include functionality of respective ones of the controlbody 102, 302, 702, power source 212, 524, 812, and control component208, 522, 808. The aerosol delivery device also includes an aerosolproduction component 916 that may correspond to or include functionalityof heating element 220, 532, or piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh ofnozzle 820. The control body 902 may include the aerosol productioncomponent 916 or terminals 918 configured to connect the aerosolproduction component to the control body.

In some implementations, the control body 902 includes a sensor 908configured to produce measurements of air flow. The sensor 908 maycorrespond to or include functionality of the flow sensor 210, 520 orinput device 810. In these implementations, the control component 906includes a switch 910 coupled to and between the power source 904 andthe aerosol production component 916. The control component alsoincludes processing circuitry 912 coupled to the sensor and the switch.The switch can be a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor(MOSFET) switch. The sensor may be connected to inter-integrated circuit(I2C), Vcc and/or ground of the processing circuitry.

The sensor 908 may further include the audio detector 1402 or theoptical detector 1502 as shown and described with respect to FIGS.11-15. The sensor 908 may detect a control signal that is used forauthentication. Upon authentication, the switch 910 may be triggered toallow operation of the device. In some implementations, the processingcircuitry 912 is configured to process the control signal and determineif it matches the correct signal saved in the memory chip. In otherembodiments, the processing circuitry 912 may be configured toauthenticate and/or verify the age of a user, and to output a signal (asindicated by arrow 922) to cause the switch 910 to switchably connectand disconnect an output voltage from the power source 904 to theaerosol production component 916 to power the aerosol productioncomponent for an aerosol-production time period or based on usage (e.g.cartridge insertion, device charging, etc.). In some implementations,the processing circuitry 912 is configured to output a pulse widthmodulation (PWM) signal. A duty cycle of the PWM signal is adjustable tocause the switch to switchably connect and disconnect the output voltageto the aerosol production component. The processing circuitry 912 mayinclude the signal detector circuitry 1202 described with respect toFIG. 12.

In some implementations, the control component 906 further includessignal conditioning circuitry 914 coupled to the sensor 908 and theprocessing circuitry 912. The signal conditioning circuitry of suchimplementations may be configured to manipulate the operation of theswitch 910. The signal conditioning circuitry will be described ingreater detail below with reference to FIG. 10.

Although not shown, the processing circuitry 912 and/or the signalconditioning circuitry 914 may be coupled with or receive a controlsignal that is used for authentication or verification. The controlsignal may be received by the sensor 908. If the control signal isreceived and correct, then the processing circuitry 912 may turn on theswitch 910 to allow operation of the aerosol delivery device.Alternatively or in addition, if the verification signal is not receivedor not correct, then the processing circuitry 912 may shut off theswitch 910 to prevent operation of the aerosol delivery device 900. Theswitch 910 may be controlled by the processing circuitry 912, includingbeing based on control signal detection by the sensor 908. The controlsignal at the sensor 908 may be analyzed by the processing circuitry912. The age verification and authentication process may be used todetermine when the connection is made. If the user is not verified orauthenticated, the switch may be disconnected to prevent voltage beingprovided to the aerosol production component. Alternatively, if theswitch is in a disconnected state, then if the user is not verified orauthenticated, the switch will remain in a disconnected state. Likewise,when the user is verified or authenticated, the switch can establish aconnection so that current will be able flow for usage of the device. Inother words, when the user is verified or authenticated, the outputvoltage is permitted to be provided to the aerosol production component.

FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit diagram of signal conditioning circuitry1000 that may correspond to signal conditioning circuitry 914, accordingto an example implementation of the present disclosure. As shown, insome implementations, the signal conditioning circuitry 1000 includes asignal conditioning chip 1001, and a bidirectional voltage-leveltranslator 1002. One example of a suitable signal conditioning chip isthe model ZAP 3456 from Zap-Tech corporation. And one example of asuitable bidirectional voltage-level translator is the model NVT 2003bidirectional voltage-level translator from NXP Semiconductors.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 10, the signal conditioning chip 1001can be connected to the bidirectional voltage-level translator 1002, andthe bidirectional voltage-level translator can be connected to the 5Vinput and ground of the processing circuitry 912. Note that the values(e.g., voltage, resistances and capacitance) shown in FIG. 10 are forpurposes of illustrating the example only, and unless stated otherwise,the values should not be taken as limiting in the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example system diagram for functional control ofa device. FIG. 11 illustrates how a device 1106 communicates with an ageverification system 1102 through a network 1103 and a host device 1104,in order to verify the user's age, which may also be used toauthenticate the device 1106 periodically. The age verification system1102 is coupled with the host device 1104 over a network 1103. Althoughnot shown, the age verification system 1102 may be coupled with thedevice 1106 over the network 1103.

The device 1106 may be any aerosol delivery device, including forexample an electronic nicotine delivery systems (“ENDS”) deviceaccording to various embodiments described above. In one embodiment, thedevice 1106 may be or may include a charging accessory such as theaccessory described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/415,460,entitled “AUTHENTICATION AND AGE VERIFICATION FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERYDEVICE,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/282,222on Apr. 2, 2019, the entire disclosures of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference. Other example chargers or chargingaccessories that may be used in combination with various embodiments arefurther described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2019/0089180 to Rajesh Sur; U.S.Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0224268 to Henry et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 10,206,431 toSur et al.; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As described, the age verification system 1102 may not only verify anage (e.g. for an age restricted product), but may also provideauthentication or user identification (e.g. for an actual purchase or toprevent theft). The authentication and age verification by the ageverification system 1102 is further described in in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/415,460, entitled “AUTHENTICATION AND AGEVERIFICATION FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE,”, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional App. No. 62/282,222 on Apr. 2, 2019, the entiredisclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Theauthentication described below may rely on age verification beingperformed first and then referenced for subsequent authentication usinga control signal 1105 sent to the device 1106. However, there may beother verification mechanisms other than just for age. For example, insome embodiments, user identification may be performed in lieu of ageverification. Cartridges or consumables may be registered as part of theage verification or authentication process as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/415,444, entitled “AGE VERIFICATION WITHREGISTERED CARTRIDGES FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE,” filed on May 17,2019, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al. disclosesidentification systems for smoking devices, the disclosure of which isbeing incorporated herein by reference.

The age verification system 1102 may include a database that tracksusers along with ages, as well as maintains a record of the devices andcomponents (e.g. cartridges) along with approvals. It may be encryptedand/or use anonymous identifiers (e.g. numbers, letters, or anyalphanumeric identifiers) for each user.

The initial age verification may occur and be stored in the database,such as may be maintained at the age verification system 1102 and/orotherwise accessible over the network 1103. In some embodiments, ageverification records may be maintained using blockchain technology.Future age verification requests by that user may be confirmed bycalling the database. Specifically, once a user is initially ageverified as confirmed in the age verification system database, futureverifications (i.e. “authentications”) may be merely calls to thisdatabase for unlocking the device 1106. In other words, a user initiallyperforms an age verification and then subsequent usage may requireauthentication without the complete initial age verificationrequirements. The frequency with which the device 1106 must be unlockedor authenticated can vary. Likewise, the timing for when a user needs tore-verify their age may vary. For example, each time the cartridge isreplaced, the user may need to re-verify or re-authenticate. In someembodiments, the re-authentication may be required after a certainnumber of puffs from the device 1106 or may be based on the passage oftime (e.g. once per hour, day, week, month, etc.). The online databasemay track the requests for authentication and set limits per user. Thiscan prevent the potential fraud of a single user unlocking otherunder-age user's devices. This also would prevent the re-distribution ofunlocked (i.e. verified and authenticated) devices and/or accessories.Reasonable limits for the number of devices, chargers, consumables,and/or authentications can prevent this potential fraud.

A user profile may be stored (e.g. on the device 1106 or from anapplication or app on a host device 1104) that includes an ageverification as described with respect to FIG. 20. An app on the hostdevice 1104 may access the user profile over a network, such as thenetwork 1103. Once a user is initially age verified as confirmed in theage verification system database, the user profile for that user may begenerated and saved so that future verifications (i.e.“authentications”) may be merely calls to this database. In oneembodiment, the age verification may be a prerequisite for the hostdevice 1104 to be able to generate and submit the control signal 1105 tothe device 1106.

The host device 1104 may be any computing device, such as a smartphone,tablet, or computer. The host device 1104 may communicate with orprovide the control signal 1105 to the device 1106 for authentication.As discussed with respect to FIGS. 13-15, the control signal 1105 fromthe host device 1104 to the device 1106 may be an audio signal or alight/optical signal. In some embodiments, the host device 1104 maycouple directly with the device 1106, such as to provide power or tocommunicate. The host device 1104 may be already configured tocommunicate over a network, such as the network 1103, so the device 1106may not need the same level of communication functionality, since thehost device 1104 provides for that capability. In one embodiment, thehost device 1104, upon communication with the age verification system1102, may provide the control signal 1105 to authenticate and unlock thedevice 1106.

The authentication may be a process for verifying a user's identityafter that user has already verified their age. If the user does notverify their age, then the authentication process will fail. Asdescribed, the authentication process may include the device 1106receiving and authenticating a control signal 1105 in order to unlockthe device 1106. The age verification process may occur less frequently(e.g. at device purchase) than the authentication process, which mayoccur based on usage, such as based on puff frequency, puff length, timeused, and/or each time the cartridge is replaced. In alternativeexamples, there may be a more frequent authentication process that isrequired. Failure of the authentication process may result in the device1106 not operating. For example, if the control signal 1105 is notapproved for use with the device 1106, then the device 1106 may beprevented from receiving electricity needed for heat.

The age verification system 1102 provides an indication as to whether auser is of an appropriate age for usage of a particular product, such asan aerosol delivery device or an electronic nicotine delivery systems(“ENDS”) device including an aerosol delivery device, both of which areexamples of the device 1106. At least some components or features of theage verification system 1102 may be part of the device 1106 or the hostdevice 1104. For example, the processing and determinations from the ageverification system 1102 may be performed locally after accessing aremote database. In an alternative embodiment, the age verificationsystem 1102 may be located remotely and accessible over a network, suchas the network 1103.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions or receives and executes instructions responsiveto a propagated signal, so that a device connected to a network cancommunicate voice, video, audio, images or any other data over anetwork. The device 1106, host device 1104 or the age verificationsystem 1102 may provide the instructions over the network via one ormore communication ports. The communication port may be created insoftware or may be a physical connection in hardware. The connectionwith the network may be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernetconnection or may be established wirelessly as discussed below.Likewise, the connections with other components may be physicalconnections or may be established wirelessly. The device 1106 or thehost device 1104 may communicate through a network, including but notlimited to the network 1103. For example, the signal detector circuitry1202 (discussed with respect to FIG. 12) may include networkfunctionality in order to be coupled with the host device 1104 or theage verification system 1102. These components may include communicationports configured to connect with a network, such as the network 1103.

The network (e.g. the network 1103) may couple devices so thatcommunications may be exchanged, such as between the device 1106, thehost device 1104, and/or the age verification system 1102, includingbetween other wireless devices coupled via a wireless network, forexample. As described a cluster of machines storing data to be analyzedmay be connected over one or more networks, such as the network 1103. Anetwork may also include mass storage, such as network attached storage(NAS), a storage area network (SAN), or other forms of computer ormachine readable media, for example. A network may include the Internet,one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks(WANs), wire-line type connections, wireless type connections, or anycombination thereof. Likewise, sub-networks, such as may employdiffering architectures or may be compliant or compatible with differingprotocols, may interoperate within a larger network. Various types ofdevices may, for example, be made available to provide an interoperablecapability for differing architectures or protocols. As one illustrativeexample, a router may provide a link between otherwise separate andindependent LANs. A communication link or channel may include, forexample, analog telephone lines, such as a twisted wire pair, a coaxialcable, full or fractional digital lines including T1, T2, T3, or T4 typelines, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital SubscriberLines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links, or othercommunication links or channels, such as may be known to those skilledin the art. Furthermore, a computing device or other related electronicdevices may be remotely coupled to a network, such as via a telephoneline or link, for example.

A wireless network may couple devices, such as the device 1106, the hostdevice 1104 and the age verification system 1102. The network 1103 mayinclude a wireless network and may employ stand-alone ad-hoc networks,mesh networks, Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, wireless wide area network(WWAN), wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), cellular networks, orthe like. A wireless network may further include a system of terminals,gateways, routers, or the like coupled by wireless radio links, or thelike, which may move freely, randomly or organize themselvesarbitrarily, such that network topology may change, at times evenrapidly. A wireless network may further employ a plurality of networkaccess technologies, including Long Term Evolution (LTE), WLAN, WirelessRouter (WR) mesh, or 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, orfuture iterations) cellular technology, or the like. A network mayenable RF or wireless type communication via one or more network accesstechnologies, such as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM),Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), General Packet RadioServices (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), 3GPP Long TermEvolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access(WCDMA), Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, Zigbee, Z Wave, IEEE 802.16 (e.g.,WiMax) and/or other WWAN/WMAN technology, or the like, including futureiterations of any of the aforementioned technologies. A wireless networkmay include virtually any type of wireless communication mechanism bywhich signals may be communicated between devices. In some embodiments,the communication protocols listed above may be used for communicationbetween the device 1106 and the host device 1104, and the host device1104 then communicates with the age verification system 1102 through thesame or different communication protocols.

Signal packets communicated via a network, such as the network 1103 or anetwork of participating digital communication networks, may becompatible with or compliant with one or more protocols. Signalingformats or protocols employed may include, for example, TCP/IP, UDP,DECnet, NetBEUI, IPX, Appletalk, or the like. Versions of the InternetProtocol (IP) may include IPv4 or IPv6. The Internet refers to adecentralized global network of networks. The Internet includes localarea networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, orlong haul public networks that, for example, allow signal packets to becommunicated between LANs. Signal packets may be communicated betweennodes of a network, such as, for example, to one or more sites employinga local network address. A signal packet may, for example, becommunicated over the Internet from a user site via an access nodecoupled to the Internet. Likewise, a signal packet may be forwarded vianetwork nodes to a target site coupled to the network via a networkaccess node, for example. A signal packet communicated via the Internetmay, for example, be routed via a path of gateways, servers, etc. thatmay route the signal packet in accordance with a target address andavailability of a network path to the target address. This signal packetcommunication may be applicable to the data communication between the asthe device 1106, the host device 1104 and/or the age verification system1102.

The device 1106 includes a signal detector 1107 that detects a signal.As shown, the control signal 1105 is communicated from the host device1104 to the signal detector 1107, but the control signal 1105 could comefrom a source other than the host device 1104, including beingtransmitted directly over the network 1103 to the device 1106. Thesignal detector 1107 may be one example of the sensor 908 shown in FIG.9. Example signal detectors 1107 are described with respect to FIGS.14-15.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of signal detector circuitry 1202 thatmay be located on or coupled with the signal detector 1107. The signaldetector circuitry 1202 can be used by the device 1106 for confirmingthat any received control signal 1105 is correct for authentication. Thesignal detector circuitry 1202, in addition to receiving and analyzingthe control signal 1105, may also operate to perform the authenticationor may also be used for the initial age verification. The signaldetector circuitry 1202 may also be referred to as authenticationcircuitry and may include a processor 1204, a memory 1206, a translator1207, and a switch 1208.

The processor 1204 in the signal detector circuitry 1202 may be on oneor more chips and may include a central processing unit (CPU), agraphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) orother type of processing device. The processor 1204 may be one or moregeneral processors, digital signal processors, application specificintegrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks,digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other nowknown or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. Theprocessor 1204 may operate in conjunction with a software program, suchas code generated manually (i.e., programmed).

The processor 1204 may be coupled with a memory 1206, or the memory 1206may be a separate component. The memory 1206 may include, but is notlimited to, computer readable storage media such as various types ofvolatile and non-volatile storage media, including random access memory,read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electricallyprogrammable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory,flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. Thememory 1206 may include a random access memory for the processor 1204.Alternatively, the memory 1206 may be separate from the processor 1204,such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or othermemory. The memory 1206 may be an external storage device or databasefor storing recorded ad or user data. Examples include a hard drive,compact disc (“CD”), digital video disc (“DVD”), memory card, memorystick, floppy disc, universal serial bus (“USB”) memory device, or anyother device operative to store data, including authentication or signaldetection data. The memory 1206 is operable to store instructionsexecutable by the processor 1204.

The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or describedherein may be performed by the programmed processor executing theinstructions stored in the memory 1206. Specifically, the operationdetecting the control signal 1105 and determining whether control signal1105 can authenticate the device 1106 may be performed by the processor1204 based on instructions from the memory 1206. In other embodiments,the authentication and/or age verification, such as from system 1102,may be performed by the processor 1204 based on instructions from thememory 1206. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of theparticular type of instruction set, storage media, processor orprocessing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware,integrated circuits, firm-ware, micro-code and the like, operating aloneor in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may includemultiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.

The processor 1204 may be configured to execute software includinginstructions for receiving/analyzing the control signal 1105,authenticating the device 1106, and/or verifying a user's age or forsubsequent authentication operations for the age verification system1102. Specifically, if the processor 1204 cannot authenticate thecontrol signal 1105, then the switch 1208 can be activated to preventpower from being provided which stops or prevents operation of thedevice 1106. Specifically, the device 1106 may include a battery forpowering the device, which is only activated when the device 1106receives the authenticated control signal 1105. In other words, the flowof electricity is allowed if authentication from age verificationpasses. Alternatively, the flow of electricity may be stopped if theauthentication or age verification fails. Specifically, electricity isnot provided to the device 1106 when the switch 1208 is turned off. Theswitch 1208 may be the switch 910 described with respect to FIG. 9.Although the switch 1208 is illustrated as part of the signal detectorcircuitry 1202, it could be a separate component on the device 1106 inalternative embodiments.

The signal detector circuitry 1202 may include a translator 1207 fortranslating the control signal 1105. The translation of the controlsignal 1105 may be part of the authentication process by which thecontrol signal 1105 is authenticated. The translator 1207 may bedifferent depending on the type of control signal 1105 as furtherdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 13 illustrates embodiments of a control signal 1105. The controlsignal 1105 is provided for authentication of the device 1106. Thecontrol signal 1105 may correspond with a serial number of the device1106 or a component (e.g. a cartridge) of the device. In order to beauthenticated, the control signal 1105 must match the serial number. Inalternative embodiments, rather than serial numbers, there may beanother identification or authentication code for the device 1106. Thecode may be unique for each device 1106, for each user, or for each typeof device, in alternative embodiments. The age verification system 1102may include a database for storing the codes or control signals 1105 tobe provided for authentication. The database may associate a user, aprofile, and/or a device with a particular code that can unlock thedevice 1106. In one embodiment, the database may be a decentralizednetwork storage using Blockchain technology as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/415,477, entitled “DECENTRALIZED IDENTITYSTORAGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS,” filed on May 17, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/838,272, filed on Apr. 24,2019, entitled “DECENTRALIZED IDENTITY STORAGE FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS,”the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference.

The control signal 1105 may be encrypted to decrease the likelihood ofhacking by a non-verified user. In one embodiment, the serial number ofthe device 1106 or another identifier can be randomly assigned a hashedcode during manufacturing which is stored in the device 1106 memory chip(e.g. memory 1206). The values may be stored in a database that isupdated and accessed for authentication. In the embodiment of FIG. 19,the help desk operator can access this database. In that embodiment,when the operator receives a call from the device 1106 purchaser tounlock their device, the operator looks up the serial number andtransmits the assigned hashed code. In an alternative embodiment, thehost device 1104 can access the database for a particular entry once theuser has been identified and/or age verified. In another encryptionexample, the serial numbers or identifiers may utilize a certain codeoperator that translates all the numbers the same way. For example, aset amount may be added to or subtracted from all serial integers andserial alphabetical characters. In that example where the set amount is+5, the identifier of S189A4R encrypted becomes X634F9 W. For addedsecurity and complexity, the code may change based on the manufacturingdate/time of the device 1106.

The device 1106 could be sold in the locked position which does notallow the device to be used until authentication, which may also includea registration with age verification. In one embodiment, kiosks whichare positioned at the point of sale for retail could make it easier forconsumers to register and age verify their device at the time ofpurchase. Once the consumer is age-verified, periodic authentication ofthe device is used to confirm the consumer. In other embodiments, retailclerks may also be utilized in the registration and age verificationprocess, such as by scanning an identification documentation andprompting the device purchaser to give a visual or audible input that isused for authentication.

The device 1106 may incorporate a pseudorandom number generator that issynchronized with a network version, such as from the age verificationsystem 1102 or associated with a help desk operator. This numbergenerator may be rolling and changes after a predetermined amount oftime. The control signal 1105 would not need to be linked to the deviceserial number. Other example forms of encryption may include theAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES), Triple Data Encryption Standard(3DES), Twofish, or RSA techniques that can be used for encrypting thecontrol signal 1105 to prevent unverified users from unlocking a device.These techniques can encrypt the control signal 1105 prior to sending itto the device 1106. The device 1106 could then decrypt the signal usingan assigned key that is stored in the device 1106 memory 1206.

The control signal 1105 could be the same for every manufactured deviceor may be unique to a user, profile, or specific device. During thedevice manufacturing process, the device software may be encoded with aspecific unlock sequence (i.e. the control signal 1105, including theaudio signal 1302 and/or the optical signal 1304) that corresponds toits serial number or another identifier. In one example, the controlsignal 1105 may be an unlock tone sequence that is the device's serialnumber transcribed in accordance with a character encoding scheme, suchas Morse code or Tap code.

The control signal 1105 from the host device 1104 to the device 1106 maybe an audio signal 1302. The audio signal 1302 may include a tonesequence. The audio signal 1302 or tone sequence could be a series ofpulses, such as long and short that are similar to Morse code. Inalternative embodiments, different types of sequences may be used thathave increases and/or decreases in amplitude and/or frequency. Theserial number or identifier may be converted to authentication tone atthe age verification system 1102 or through software used by an operator(e.g. help desk operator). This conversion may be through software. Oneexample of such software may include a conversion into Morse code, suchas the free online software athttps://morsecode.scphillips.com/translator.html. The translation of theserial number or identifier is a conversion into a series of dots anddashes for the Morse code example. Accordingly, the identifier S189A4Rbecomes . . . . ---- ---.. ----. .- ....- .-. This Morse code signal canbe audibly played to the device 1106, which detects the code with thesignal detector 1107 and translates the code with the translator 1207.The control signal 1105 may refer to the converted signal that is thentranslated back to the identifier by the device 1106.

The control signal 1105 from the host device 1104 to the device 1106 maybe a light/optical/scanned signal 1304, which may be referred to as anoptical signal. The optical signal 1304 may be a series of light pulsesor a light sequence. Communication with an optical signal or lightsource is further described in the United Kingdom Application No.1906243.9 entitled “ELECTRONIC VAPOUR PROVISION SYSTEM WITH OPTICALWIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS,” filed on Mar. 5, 2019 in the United Kingdom,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 14 illustrates embodiments of the audio detector 1402. The audiodetector 1402 is one embodiment of the signal detector 1107. The audiodetector 1402 may include a pressure sensor 1407 and/or a microphone1408. In some embodiments in which the device is a puff activatedaerosol delivery device, the pressure sensor 1407 may include theexisting pressure sensor in the device 1107 (e.g. sensor 908) that maybe used to measure changes in pressure, such as when a user puffs orinhales on the device 1107 that activates the device 1107 (e.g. turns onthe heater). There may be a separate pressure sensor that measuresinhalation for activating the device, or there may just be one pressuresensor that activates the device on inhalation and is used for detectingthe audio signal 1302. In other words, the pressure sensor 1407 could bethe same one that is used to sense puffs and activate the heater, or asecondary pressure sensor could be used for authentication only.

The pressure sensor 1407 may be exposed to an external surface of thedevice 1107, such as by an orifice, port, or canal for improvingdetection of the audio signal 1302. In an embodiment where the audiosignal 1302 is provided by a help desk employee (e.g. FIG. 19), the helpdesk employee may instruct the device purchaser to hold the phonespeaker to the correct location, such as at the orifice, port, or canal,on the external surface of the device 1107 so that the pressure sensor1407 is in the optimal location to sense the audio signal 1302 (i.e.authentication tone). In other embodiments where the audio signal 1302is provided by an app or software on the host 1104 (e.g. computingdevice, mobile phone, tablet, etc.), the app can instruct the user howto hold the smartphone speaker in the optimal location relative thedevice 1107. This ensures that the pressure sensor 1407 can detect theaudio signal 1302.

The audio signal 1302 may be referred to as an authentication tone andmay be a low frequency pressure wave. In one embodiment, the wave may beon the lower end of functionality for a basic phone speaker that is usedin most smartphones or cell phones. In one example, the frequency couldbe around 10 Hz-20 Hz in order for the pressure sensor 1407 to detectthe tone with a reduced signal-to-noise ratio.

There may be many different embodiments of the pressure sensor 1407 thatcould detect the audio signal 1302. One example is a sealed differentialpressure sensor that allows changes in the ambient pressure (due topressure or sound waves) to be compared with a standard referencepressure. A sealed differential pressure sensor could detect sound wavesemitted from a speaker. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 1407 may bean unsealed differential pressure sensor which includes a flow sensorthat compares the pressure produced from a fluid stream passing by twoapertures of different diameters. An unsealed differential pressuresensor may need to be arranged to better detect sound waves.

In another embodiment, the device 1107 might contain a microphone 1408.A microphone 1408 may be able to sense a wider range of tones (e.g.non-audible in addition to audible) tones that could be emitted by thecell phone speaker, but it would be an additional component.Specifically, audible tones may be the frequency range that is audibleto humans, while the tones could further include a wider range,including non-audible tones. The microphone 1408 could be used to sensepuffs and activate the heater, or there may be a secondary microphonefor detecting the audio signal 1302 or authentication tone only. In thisembodiment, the frequency may be on the upper end of the functionalityof a smartphone, cell phone, tablet, or other common speakers, such asin the 20 kHz to 25 kHz range. Such a frequency would be inaudible tothe user or device purchaser while still being sensed by the microphone1408. The microphone 1408 could sense tones based on the limit of itsfunctionality, including any audible frequencies in a range betweenapproximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

There may be many different embodiments of the microphone 1408 thatcould detect the audio signal 1302. One example is a MEMS electretmicrophone which uses a PTFE-based film diaphragm. This example may bean appropriate size with longevity. In other examples, other electretmicrophones could be used. In addition, there are other microphones inthe condenser microphone family. Other examples include a crystal orpiezo microphone. These examples may sense noise or vibrations throughsolid objects and could be placed internally against the outer shell ofthe device, which may eliminate the need for an orifice, canal, or portto allow sound waves to travel into the device 1107.

FIG. 15 illustrates embodiments of an optical detector 1502. The opticaldetector 1502 is one embodiment of the signal detector 1107. The opticaldetector 1502 may also be referred to as a visual detector or a lightdetector. The optical detector 1502 may include a light sensor 1507, aphotodiode 1508, a reader 1509, and/or an infrared detector 1510. Thelight sensor 1507 may include any light dependent resistive elements.These sensors may change in resistance due to the presence or absence oflight. This may require current to flow through the resistive elementwhen the optical signal 1304 (i.e. authentication light sequence) isbeing transmitted. The photodiode 1508 may include sensors that generatea small current when exposed to a light source. It may act as a switchand may have a quick response time.

The optical detector 1502 may include a reader 1509, such as a camera,barcode reader, or other detector. In one example, the user may capturea picture (e.g., with a host 1104, including a mobile device orsmartphone) of a unique code (e.g. bar code) associated with theparticular device. In alternative examples, the reader 1509 may read abar code, a radio frequency (RF) identification, near-fieldcommunication (NFC) communication, a magnetic strip reader, a chipreader (e.g. similar to a credit card reader), wired communication, orwireless communication. Exemplary bar codes may include any type ofscannable identifier, such as a universal product code (UPC), datamatrix code, and/or a quick response (QR) code. The code may include anyone-dimensional (1D) codes, two-dimensional (2D) codes,three-dimensional (3D) codes, or other types of codes. Exemplarycommunications and authentication with RFID are described in U.S. Pat.No. 10,015,987 to Henry et al., and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0020191 toLamb et al., each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.Exemplary communications and authentication with NFC is described inU.S. Pat. No. 9,864,947 to Sur et al., which is hereby incorporated byreference. The code, such as a barcode, can be printed on productpackaging, on a label, on the product itself, or on an insert in theproduct packaging. In one embodiment, there may be a unique barcode foreach particular device. The application or website linked from thebarcode may use software to convert identification information extractedfrom the unique barcode to the corresponding authentication lightsequence. In other words, the scanning of the barcode can trigger theemission of the optical signal 1304 by the host 1104. Alternatively, theapplication or website may look up identification information extractedfrom the unique barcode in a database to determine the appropriateoptical signal 1304 for that particular device 1106. In anotherembodiment, the device 1106 (or packaging/inserts of the device 1106)may carry an RFID tag that can be read by the host 1104 (e.g. mobiledevice or smartphone) executing an application or capable of accessingthe website. The RFID tag may carry a unique identifier for the device1106 that can result in generation of the optical signal 1304 that canauthenticate or unlock that particular device 1106.

For the optical detector 1502 sensor examples, the light wavelengthrange may be approximately 400 nm to 700 nm. The optical detector 1502may be tuned to receive a smaller range or wavelengths or any/all (i.e.white light). As opposed to a series of pulses, the optical signal 1304may include a pattern of wavelengths. In one example, the optical signal1304 may climb from 400 nm to 500 nm in 3 seconds, remain black for 5seconds, then climb from 400 nm to 700 nm in 1 second. This variation ofwavelength and time can be used to generate unique optical signals 1304.Other patterns and wavelength variations may be used.

When the host 1104 is a mobile device or smartphone, the optical signal1304 may be generated by the display (e.g. light/color arrangement onthe screen or pulses from the display) or by a flashlight (e.g. a rearfacing flashlight on a mobile device or other computing device). Thedisplay example may include the display being mostly black but includinga portion that is put near the optical detector 1502 of the device 1106for detecting any colors/pulses/patterns that are shown in the displayscreen. In the example of the host 1104 including a flashlightapplication, an app could be programmed to cause the flashlight totransmit light according to a specific pattern or sequence that providesthe optical signal 1304. The intensity of light may be greater for aflashlight which may lower the chance of signal loss duringtransmission. Prior to the optical signal 1304 transmission, the app mayprompt the user to position their device in the correct location suchthat the optical detector 1502 is aligned with the flashlight on thehost 1104 or mobile device. The optical detector 1502 may include areader 1510 for scanning a QR or other bar code that is displayed on theapp or webpage which corresponds to age verification with the ageverification system 1102. The reader 1510 of such embodiments scans thisQR code which enables the device to be unlocked.

The light sensor on the device could be an infrared (IR) sensor 1510 inone embodiment. The host 1104 may be a mobile phone or other IR enableddevice that communicates the optical signal 1304 via IR. In someembodiments, there may be a combination of the visible light spectrumand IR, which may rely on different optical detectors 1502 (e.g. lightsensor 1507 and IR 1510) or a single sensor may measure both. Having acombination of optical types may provide for a larger set of codecombinations for the optical signal 1304. The user may be able to seethe visible light spectrum, while the IR may not be detectable whichcould also improve security by preventing recreation of the opticalsignal. For an IR or non-visible signal, the user may be provided withan indication (e.g. a visual spectrum pulse) or confirmation that theoptical signal 1304 is being communicated for controlling/unlocking thedevice.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example system diagram for functional control ofa device with an audio signal. Similar to FIG. 11, FIG. 16 illustratesthe system for audio detection. The host 1104 can access the ageverification system 1102 over the network 1103. Upon verification, thehost 1104 can be used for authentication of the device 1106.Specifically, the host 1104 can provide an audio signal 1302 to thedevice 1106 for detection by an audio detector, such as pressure sensor1407 and/or a microphone 1408. The audio signal 1302 is a control signalor authentication signal for unlocking the device 1106. In otherembodiments, the audio signal 1302 may be provided by a help desk call,rather than a user's smartphone or mobile device. In such an embodiment,the host 1104 may be considered to be a help desk that is accessedthrough audio communication (e.g. VoIP or telephone call).

FIG. 17 illustrates an example system diagram for functional control ofa device with an optical signal. Similar to FIG. 11, FIG. 17 illustratesthe system for optical/visual detection. The host 1104 can access theage verification system 1102 over the network 1103. Upon verification,the host 1104 can be used for authentication of the device 1106.Specifically, the host 1104 can provide an optical signal 1304 to thedevice 1106 for detection by the optical detector 1502. The opticalsignal 1304 is a control signal or authentication signal for unlockingthe device 1106. Examples of the optical detector 1502 are illustratedin and described with respect to FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating one example of the control signalprocess. In block 1802, a user/consumer purchases a device, such asdevice 1106. The purchase may be made online or in-person at a retaileror kiosk. The device can operate until authentication is required inblock 1804. In one embodiment, the device may be in a locked ornon-operational state until authentication is completed. In anotherembodiment, the device 1106 may be sold unlocked for a limited use(limited time, or limited puffs) after which time authentication will berequired. Authentication may first require an age verification as inblock 1806, which may be performed by the age verification system 1102.Age verification may only occur once or may need to be updatedperiodically, whereas, authentication may be required more frequently(e.g. each time the cartridge or other aerosol source member isreplaced). The age verification system 1102 provides functionality forverifying the age of a user. The age verification may be for aparticular user such that the verification applies for multiple devicesused by that user, but may still require authentication for eachindividual device. In some embodiments, each device may require the ageverification process in addition to subsequent authentications.

As an initial age verification, the age verification system 1102 mayrequire some identification documentation to establish the age of auser. For example, a driver's license or passport may be uploaded toestablish a user's age. The image from that documentation may be usedfor future age verification by performing facial recognition using thatimage. Facial recognition technology can analyze the two images toeither confirm identity match, reject identity verification, or flag theverification to request additional identification information. This ageverification may include comparing that image to a live self-image(“selfie”) or video that the user takes with their mobile device orwebcam. This may prevent fraud of merely showing a picture of someone.Specifically, this reduces the potential for using a hard-copy photo totrick the facial recognition software (e.g., holding up the driver'slicense close to the webcam). The selfie image that the user uploads canalso be checked for liveliness by recording a short video to ensure thatthe frames change. In alternative embodiments, the verification step mayinclude an audible input from the user, such as recitation of a number,sequence, or code to verify liveliness. Other age verification examplesmay include some form of a fingerprint reader for verifying the userafter that user has been age verified. In one embodiment, the host 1104may receive the fingerprint as part of the verification process. Theremay be other biometrics that are used for verifying a user, such as DNA,blood, or other biological indicators.

The device 1106 may require more frequent authentications to ensure thata device is not age verified and then distributed to other users. Theauthentication may include providing a control signal to the device 1106as in block 1808. As described, the control signal may be either anaudio signal 1302 or an optical signal 1304. That signal may originatefrom a host device 1104 or from another source (e.g. help desk call).The control signal is received at the device 1106 in block 1810 and ifthe control signal is correct, then the device is authenticated and thedevice can continue to be used until authentication is required again inblock 1812. If the control signal received at the device 1106 is notcorrect in block 1810, then the device 1106 is not authenticated andwill remain locked until a correct authentication control signal is sentin block 1808.

In some embodiments, the authentication of the device through thecontrol signal unlocks the device for the particular user and the futureauthentications that may be required again may be performed on thedevice 1106 itself. For example, the biometric, fingerprint reader, orother biological indicators described above may be used on the devicefor authenticating. In this regard, in some embodiments, the device 1106may be tied (e.g., upon the initial authentication) to a particular userbiometric(s) used for the initial authentication to prevent a seconduser from using the device 1106. When re-authentication is required inthe future, the user may unlock and/or continue use of the device 1106by providing the user biometric(s) to re-authenticate. As a furtherexample, the user may set a code, such as a pin code that may be enteredvia a user interface of the device 1106 (e.g., through a touchscreen,input button, a particular pattern of puffs that may be provided by theuser puffing on the device, etc.) and/or via a computing device that maybe communicatively coupled to the device 1106 when the device 1106 isinitially authenticated and may later enter the pin code tore-authenticate the user to unlock and/or continue use of the device1106.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating one example of the audio signalprocess. The example shown in FIG. 19 is use of a help desk forverification and authentication of the device 1106. Specifically, a usercan call a help desk line for the verification and/or authentication. Inblock 1902, the user calls the help desk for age verification. The helpdesk phone call can be used to confirm identity by providing orconfirming user information. The help desk employee takes the devicepurchaser's information, which could include device serial number, dateof purchase, driver's license number, last four digits of socialsecurity number, or other personal information that could be used toverify the identity of the purchaser. In one embodiment, the help deskcan be used to confirm information provided in an identificationdocument to verify a user's age in block 1904. The help desk operatorcan then transmit an audio signal 1302 for the user to provide to thedevice 1106. Specifically, the user's phone receiver, which may be thehost device 1104, has a speaker through which the audio signal 1302 orauthentication tone is transmitted in block 1906.

In some embodiments, the help desk phone call in block 1902, the helpdesk verification in block 1904, and the authentication tone in block1906 could all be from different devices or from the same device. Forexample, the verification phone call in blocks 1902-1904 may be madefrom a different phone than the source of the authentication tone.Specifically, the help desk could send or provide authorization for theauthentication tone being transmitted from a different device or from adifferent source than the phone call with the help desk. In one example,the authorization tone may be played through an app on the phone (ratherthan playing it through the speaker during the phone call) based on thehelp desk verifying/authenticating the user. In another example, thehelp desk could send a onetime usable link to an audio file with theauthentication tone, such as through an email, text message, ornotification. The link may only be valid for a limited amount of time toprevent fraud.

The tone generation may be from software that could be incorporated intoa mobile app or web app that the device purchaser uses themselves (e.g.through an app with a profile on a mobile device as in FIG. 20). Theauthentication tone would be generated and emitted though the user'scomputer, telephone, or mobile phone speakers, and detected by the audiodetector 1402 of the device 1106 as in block 1908. If the authenticationtone is not correct in block 1908, the device will remain locked orunauthenticated and wait for a correct authentication tone from block1906. If the authentication tone is correct, then the device 1106 can beused until authentication is required again as in block 1910. Inaddition to the re-authentication process, there could be a requirementthat the device purchaser re-verifies before every use, every charge,after a predetermined length of time, after a predetermined amount ofpuff-second or puffs, prior to a predetermined number of cartridgeinsertions, or just a single verification after device purchase. In suchexamples, when the authentication is required again in block 1910, theuser's age may need to be re-verified in block 1904 in addition to theauthentication in block 1906.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating one example of authentication witha host device. The embodiment in FIG. 20 authenticates the device 1106in part based on a profile of an age verified user than can be accessedfor authentication. In block 2002, the device 1106 is purchased by auser. The user provides identification for the age verification systemin block 2004. As discussed above, the identification may includeinformation that is used to confirm a user's identity and age. Thatinformation may be showing an identification (e.g. driver's license) toa retailer or scanning the identification at a kiosk or on the user'spersonal device, such as a computer or mobile device. The user mightalso utilize an internet-connected age-verification system (computer,mobile phone, etc.) to upload their identification informationthemselves. Upon the identification and age verification, the user cancreate a user profile with the age verification system 1102 in block2006. The age verification system 1102 may be connected over a network1103, such as the Internet, may require the user to create a profile inan application, or with a web-based application. The user profile can bestored in a database for the age verification system 1102 for quickaccess during future authentication requests. Based on a request andconformation that the user (or user's profile) verifies the user's age,the host device 1104 can send a control signal 1105 to the device 1106as in block 2008. The control signal 1105 may be stored and associatedwith the user profile stored in a database. Alternatively, there may bean application that generates the correct control signal based on theinformation stored in the user profile including information about thedevice 1106 (e.g. serial number). The control signal 1105 can be anaudio signal 1302 or an optical signal 1304 that is transmitted by thehost device 1104. If the control signal is not correct in block 2010,the device 1106 is not authenticated and must wait for the correctcontrol signal. If the control signal is correct in block 2010, thedevice 1106 can be used until authentication is required again in block2012. When authentication is again required, the host device can againsend a control signal to the device in block 2008.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example authentication key 2102. Theauthentication key 2102 may be sold as a part of the packaging with thedevice. The authentication key 2102 may be used with the optical signal1304 by easily aligning with the optical detector 1502 (e.g. the lightsensor 1507) on the device 1106 and obstructs the amount of light orobstructs certain segments of light that are distinguishable by thedetector or sensor. The authentication key 2102 may incorporate arotating mechanism that changes the light intensity allowed to thedetector/sensor or changes the segments of light that can pass to thedetector/sensor. In one embodiment, a range of numbers (e.g. from 0-12)are listed on the circumference of the key. As the rotating mechanism isengaged, the numbers may also rotate compared to an arrow that helps thedevice user identify to which number the key is set. In this embodiment,a user can unlock the device 1106 without having access to a network orthe Internet. As described above, the user can first perform an ageverification (e.g. the user calls the help desk to age verify over thephone). After age verification, a number or sequence of numbers may beprovided for use with the authentication key 2012. The numbers orsequence of numbers is for the rotation of the authentication key 2012.In one embodiment, the number or sequence of numbers may correspond tothe serial number of the device 1106. The corresponding light sequencegenerated from the user rotating the key may be programmed into thememory of the device 1106 (e.g. in the memory 1206), such as during chipmanufacturing. This may allow the processor (e.g. processor 1204) tocompare the expected value saved in the memory with the received valuefrom the single or multiple rotations of the authentication key 2102 andcompare the two to determine authentication.

As can be appreciated from the descriptions above, authenticationprocesses may be employed using any of a number of different methods inorder to unlock use of the device 1106. Some examples of these differentmethods are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/441,903,entitled “FUNCTIONAL CONTROL AND AGE VERIFICATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICESTHROUGH SPEAKER COMMUNICATION,” which claims priority to U.S.Provisional App. No. 62/828,222 on Apr. 2, 2019, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/441,937 entitled “FUNCTIONAL CONTROL AND AGEVERIFICATION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES THROUGH VISUAL COMMUNICATION,” whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/828,222 on Apr. 2, 2019,the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference. Many of these references employ techniques that involvecommunication between the device 1106 and other components or networks.To be prepared to engage in such communication and/or be responsive tosuch communication, the device 1106 may need to be in a state ofpreparedness (e.g., be awake) that enables the detection of attemptsmade to communicate with the device 1106 for purposes of authentication.However, remaining awake or in such a state of preparedness may drainresources (e.g., battery power) of the device 1106 and preventauthentication based on insufficient power. This could negatively impactthe user experience, and therefore may be desirable to avoid.

One option for conserving power at the device 1106 may be to placecomponents of the device 1106 in a low power or sleep mode. A wakeprocess may then be defined in order to wake the device 1106 from thelow power or sleep mode prior to performing the authentication process(which could be any of those methods described above, or other suitableauthentication methods). FIG. 22 illustrates a block diagram showing ageneral process for waking up the device 1106 in accordance with anexample embodiment. In this regard, a user may initially purchase alocked device (e.g., device 1106) at operation 2200. In addition tobeing locked so that operation of the device 1106 is not permitted untilan authentication process has been completed to unlock the device, thedevice 1106 (or at least various components thereof) may also be in alow power or sleep mode. Thereafter, the user may wake the device atoperation 2210. However, as noted below, the specific location of thewaking associated with operation 2210 may alternatively be in otherpositions within this flow diagram. By waking the device, the device1106 (although still locked) may be awoken in order to perform theauthentication process, which could include any suitable process(non-exclusively including those mentioned above). While the device 1106is awake, the user may access an age verification system forauthentication at operation 2220. Thus, for example, the ageverification system operations described above in reference to FIGS.11-19 may therefore be initiated at operation 2220 (e.g., accessing ageverification system 1102 via host 1104).

At operation 2230, a determination may be made as to whether the age (oridentity) of the user has been successfully verified. In some cases, theuser may provide information, credentials and/or the like to establishor verify the age of the user. The information or credentials couldinclude the presentation of identification documents (e.g., passportphoto page, driver's license, etc.), identification techniques employingblockchain (e.g., as discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/415,444, entitled “AGE VERIFICATION WITH REGISTERED CARTRIDGES FOR ANAEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE,” filed on May 17, 2019, the entire disclosureof which is herein incorporated by reference), facial recognition orother biometric identification techniques, and/or the like. However, inother cases, the user may verify his/her identity by virtue ofvalidating that the user has or is associated with an active accountidentifier that had previously gone through an age verification process(e.g., provision of codes, serial numbers, or the like associated withthe active account identifier). If successful age verification was notaccomplished, the device 1106 may remain locked at operation 2240. Insome cases, the device 1106 may go back into the low power or sleep modeto await another wake attempt prior to allowing another age oridentification verification attempt. However, in other cases, the usermay be allowed more than one attempt to complete the process (e.g., two,three or some other specific number of permitted attempts). If multipleattempts at completing age verification are permitted, the user mayengage in each of the number of allowed attempts before the device 1106will either go back to the low power or sleep mode, or perform someother benefit denial function.

If age (or identity) is successfully verified, the user may providedevice and host identification information at operation 2250. Forexample, the user may provide a serial number or other identificationinformation associated with the device 1106, and may provide a phonenumber, email address or other identifying information associated withthe host 1104. Thereafter, initiation of an authentication processbetween the device 1106 and the host 1104 may be initiated at operation2260. The authentication process may, for example, include the provisionof an optical or audio unlock signal from the host 1104 to the device1106 as described above. As noted above, in some cases, the waking ofthe device at operation 2210 could be moved between operations 2250 and2260. At operation 2270, a determination may be made as to whether theauthentication process has been successfully completed. If notsuccessfully completed, flow may return to operation 2240, and thedevice 1106 may remain locked as described above. In this regard, thedevice 1106 may go back into the low power or sleep mode to awaitanother wake attempt prior to allowing another authentication attempt.However, in other cases, the user may be allowed more than one attemptto complete the authentication process (e.g., two, three or some otherspecific number of permitted attempts). If multiple attempts atauthentication are permitted, the user may engage in each of the numberof allowed attempts before the device 1106 will return to operation 2240and either go back to the low power or sleep mode, or perform some otherbenefit denial function. However, if the authentication process issuccessfully completed, then the device 1106 may be unlocked for use atoperation 2280. The device 1106 may remain unlocked either permanentlyor until it is relocked either manually or due to locking criteria beingmet.

FIG. 23 shows a functional block diagram of various components of adevice 2300 (which may be an example of device 1106) that may employ thegeneral method discussed above in reference to FIG. 22. In this regard,the device 2300 may include a battery 2302, which may be configured toprovide power to various components of the device 2300 including deviceelectronics 2304, which may operate to control the production of anaerosol via either heat producing or non-heat producing methods (e.g.,application of heat to a solution for the generation of vapor (e.g.,responsive to detection of a puff event) as described in greater detailabove, or use of heatless mechanical based atomization technologies suchas vibrating mesh, etc.).

The battery 2302 may provide main power to a voltage regulation circuit2306 and control switch circuitry 2208. In an example embodiment, thebattery 2302 may be rechargeable. Thus, for example, a charge connection2310 may be provided to receive power from an external source (e.g.,mains power, a battery pack charger, etc.). The charge connection 2310may provide power to a charge IC (integrated circuit) 2312 and chargemonitor circuitry 2314, which are configured to control the applicationof power to the battery 2302 for safe battery charging. In an exampleembodiment, charge switch circuitry 2316 may be provided between thecharge connection 2310 and the charge IC 2312.

The control switch circuitry 2308 may include one or more switches thatare operable to isolate the battery 2302 from the device electronics2304 to prevent operation of the device 2300 (e.g., for vaporgeneration). Alternatively, the control switch circuitry 2308 can beoperated to connect main power from the battery 2302 to the deviceelectronics 2304 to enable operation of the device electronics 2304(e.g., for vapor generation responsive to a puff event). The chargeswitch circuitry 2316 may include one or more switches that are operableto isolate the charge connection 2310 from the charge IC 2312 to preventcharging of the battery 2302. Alternatively, the charge switch circuitry2316 may be operated to allow power to flow from the charge connection2310 to the charge IC 2312 and the charge monitor circuitry 2314 tocharge the battery 2302. Of note, although FIG. 23 shows power from thecharge monitor circuitry 2314 to the battery 2302 as a separate linefrom the line providing power from the battery 2302 to the voltageregulation circuit 2306 and the control switch circuitry 2308, in somecases, these lines could be combined into a single power bus.

The voltage regulation circuit 2306 may be configured to provide powerto various components of a lock assembly as described herein. Theprovision of power to the lock assembly is shown by the dashed lines ofFIG. 23. As such, all components to which the dashed lines extend fromthe voltage regulation circuit 2306 may be considered to be part of thelock assembly of the device 2300. In this example, the lock assembly mayinclude a microcontroller (e.g., MCU 2320), an authentication manager2322, and a wake up manager 2324. The lock assembly may be configured toprovide various control or data signals (shown in dotted lines in FIG.23) in order to operate the charge switch circuitry 2316 and the controlswitch circuitry 2308 to control the charging and operation of thedevice 2300 as described herein.

In an example embodiment, the MCU 2320 (or some other processor,controller, etc.) may be configured to control the operation of thedevice 2300 relative to generation of vapor and various other functions(including locking functions). In some cases, control of the chargingfunction may be employed via a charge control signal 2330 that can beissued by the MCU 2320 to change the position of the charge switchcircuitry 2316. In this regard, for example, if the charge controlsignal 2330 opens the charge switch circuitry 2316, then a path forpower to charge the battery 2302 may be opened or cutoff and charging ofthe battery 2302 may not be possible. However, if the charge controlsignal 2330 closes the charge switch circuitry 2316, then the path forpower to charge the battery 2302 may be provided and charging of thebattery 2302 may be performed from a power source connected to thecharge connection 2310. Because the charge switch circuitry 2316controls the charging of the battery 2302, the charge switch circuitry2316 may also be referred to as “charging switches.”

Similarly, control of vapor generation functions can be provided byissuing a control signal 2332 from the MCU 2320 to the control switchcircuitry 2308. In this regard, for example, if the control signal 2332opens the control switch circuitry 2308, then a path for power from thebattery 2302 (or the power bus) to the device electronics 2304 may beopened or cutoff so that heat cannot be provided for generation ofvapor. However, if the control signal 2332 closes the control switchcircuitry 2308, then the path for power from the battery 2302 (or thepower bus) to the device electronics 2304 may be provided and generationof vapor (e.g., responsive to detection of a puff or by other means) maybe enabled. Because the control switch circuitry 2308 controls theapplication of power (e.g., voltage) from the battery 2302 to the deviceelectronics 2304, the control switch circuitry 2308 may also be referredto as “voltage switches.”

In an example embodiment, the MCU 2320 may be configured to control thevoltage switches and/or charging switches based on various controlsignals (or triggers) that may be received at the MCU 2320. The MCU 2320may be triggered via one or multiple different events or signals, someof which will be described in greater detail below in reference to FIGS.24 and 25. However, some specific signals that may individually (or incombination) be applied in various example embodiments are also shown inFIG. 23. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 23, the authentication manager2322 may provide an authentication signal 2340 to the MCU 2320. In somecases, the authentication signal 2340 may only be provided to indicatethat a successful authentication has been performed by theauthentication manager 2322. However, in other cases, the authenticationsignal 2340 could indicate both positive and negative results of anauthentication attempt. When issued (or when positive), theauthentication signal 2340 may be used to unlock the device 2300 andclose the voltage and/or charging switches as described in greaterdetail below in reference to FIG. 25. When not issued (or whennegative), voltage and/or charging switches may be maintained opened toprevent vapor generation and/or charging, respectively.

Another control signal that may be received at the MCU 2320 to impactthe state of the device 2300 may be a wake signal 2342, which may beprovided by the wake up manager 2324. In this regard, the wake upmanager 2324 may be configured to monitor for wake events and provide anindication to various components of the lock assembly, which mayotherwise be asleep or in a low power mode, to wake up and prepare foran authentication attempt. Thus, for example, the authentication manager2322, the wake up manager 2324 and/or the MCU 2320 could be asleep untilthe wake up manager 2324 detects a wake event and issues the wake signal2342.

In some cases, the wake up manager 2324 may detect the wake eventdirectly from the charge connection 2310 as shown by control signal2344. For example, the coupling of the charge connection 2310 to anexternal power source may trigger the generation of the control signal2344 to the wake up manager 2324. Thereafter, the wake up manager 2324may issue the wake up signal 2342 to the lock assembly. As analternative, control signal 2346 may be provided to the MCU 2320 (e.g.,via power from the power bus) so that responsive to the wake signal2342, the MCU 2320 can detect that sufficient battery power is availableto operate for an authentication process without external power from thecharge connection 2310.

Operation of the wake up manager 2324 in accordance with an exampleembodiment will now be described in reference to FIG. 24. In thisregard, the wake up manager 2324 may include or otherwise be defined byprocessing circuitry configured to detect a wake event in order to issuethe wake signal 2342 to the MCU 2320 in response to the detection of thewake event. When the MCU 2320 is the MCU 2320 of the device 2300 (i.e.,not an MCU of a separate board), the MCU 2320 may initially bemaintained in a standby mode to reduce power consumption. The wakesignal 2342 may wake the MCU 2320 from the standby mode to initiate theauthentication process. In an example embodiment, the wake signal 2342may take the form of an interrupt provided to wake or otherwise signalto the MCU 2320 (and other lock assembly components) that anauthentication process is impending. The interrupt may be issuedresponsive to activation of an actuator 2400. Accordingly, for example,an interrupt generator 2410 may be provided to receive an input from theactuator 2400 in order to generate the interrupt in the form of the wakesignal 2342 as shown in FIG. 24.

The actuator 2400 may take a number of different forms. For example, theactuator 2400 may be a button, switch, key or other operable member thatcan be operated directly or indirectly by a user. For example, theactuator 2400 may be a button that is either readily exposed or shieldedto require intentional effort to expose the button for operation. Ifreadily exposed, the button could either be a multifunction button thatis operated in a particular way (e.g., via holding for a period of time,or by pressing to input a code). However, the button could also be asingle purpose button that is either depressed only one time to actuatethe interrupt generator 2410, or is held for a period or operated in apattern as described above. If the button is shielded, the user may berequired to use an implement to access and actuate the button. Forexample, the button could be located inside a hole, and a paperclip orsimilar instrument may be used to actuate the button. As another option,the instrument that actuates the button could be integrated with thecharger or charging device. For example, the button may be disposed in ahole (as discussed above), and the charger may have a protruding pinlocated thereon and configured to interface with the button when thecharger is attached to the charge connection 2310. In such an example,the protruding pin may actuate the button upon installation of thecharger into the charge connection 2310 and the control signal 2344 maybe sent to the wake up manager 2324. Alternatively, the control signal2344 may be interpreted as the installation of the charger into thecharge connection 2310 to actuate the actuator 2400 and trigger theinterrupt generator 2410 to generate the interrupt signal as the wakesignal 2342.

As another example, the actuator 2400 may operate responsive to theremoval of a blocking device. For example, a tab 2420 may be provided toblock operation of the actuator 2400 (e.g., due to a biasing assemblyconfigured to depress the button, but otherwise blocked by the tab2420). As yet another option, the tab 2420 may block a current flow and,when removed, current flow into the actuator 2400 (or into the MCU 2320itself in the form of control signal 2346) may cause actuation of thewake signal 2342 or otherwise serve as a wake event. In still anotherexample, the tab 2420, or a magnet, pin or other implement, may beintegrated with the packaging of the device 2300. In such an example,removal of the device 2300 from the packaging may trigger the actuator2400, e.g., by removing the tab 2420, or otherwise activate controlsignal 2346 to generate a wake event for the lock assembly (e.g., theMCU 2320 and/or other components of the lock assembly). In cases wherethe packaging includes a magnet (or the tab 2420 is embodied as amagnet), the movement of the tab 2420 responsive to removal of thepackaging may change a switch position (thereby actuating the actuator2400) or otherwise cause the actuator 2400 to operate without physicalforce being applied thereto. As such, some embodiments may include asystem comprising a combination of the aerosol delivery device (e.g.,device 2300) and an automated waking assembly in the form of thepackaging for the device (e.g., represented by tab 2420), where removalof the packaging initiates a wake event.

In some examples, the actuator 2400 could be a pressure sensor (or puffsensor), such that detection of a user either blowing onto the actuator2400 or puffing may cause generation of the wake signal 2342. Theactuator 2400 could also be embodied as or operate in cooperation withother sensors or components in other alternative embodiments. Forexample, the actuator 2400 could be embodied as, or otherwise interfacewith, an accelerometer. The accelerometer may detect movements of aparticular type or pattern and the actuator 2400 may interface with theinterrupt generator 2410 to generate the wake signal 2342 accordingly.Positioning the device in a particular orientation either at all, or fora given period of time, may trigger the actuator 2400. Alternatively oradditionally, shaking, tapping or otherwise providing movement accordingto a detectable pattern may cause the actuator 2400 to actuate theinterrupt generator 2410. As yet another alternative, the sensor maydetect changes in current, voltage or resistance that may be initiatedbased on insertion and/or removal of a pod (or a specially configuredtest pod with a given resistance value that is different than a normalpod). In such an example, the insertion of the pod (or test pod) intothe device 2300 may cause noticeable changes in current or voltagedetected due to the resistance of the pod (or test pod). Changesthemselves, or changes in a given pattern, may be used to actuate theactuator 2400.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow diagram explaining one example in which thecomponents of FIGS. 23 and 24 may cooperate for waking, authenticatingand locking/unlocking a device (e.g., device 1106 or device 2300). Asshown in FIG. 25, the lock assembly may initially be in a deep sleep atoperation 2500. In this state, components of the lock assembly may be atminimum power, and a locked status may apply to the lock assembly inwhich the voltage switches and charging switches are each open toprevent both charging and operation of the device 2300. At operation2502, the MCU 2320 (and/or the entire lock assembly) may remain in asleep mode or minimum power mode while waiting for an interrupt. Whenthe interrupt is received, a determination may be made at operation 2504as to whether a charger event has occurred (e.g., plugging a chargerinto the charge connection 2310 or providing the control signal 2346).If no charger event has occurred, then a determination may be made as towhether a wake event has occurred at operation 2506. If no wake event isdetected, then a determination may be made as to whether a charger isattached at operation 2508. If no charger is attached, then flow mayreturn to operation 2502. However, if a charger is attached, then flowmay proceed to operation 2510 at which a determination of the lockstatus is made. The determination regarding lock status (i.e., operation2510) is also a result of determining that a charger event has occurredat operation 2504. In this regard, if a charger event is detected atoperation 2504, then a charging event clearance may be conducted atoperation 2512 prior to proceeding to operation 2510 for thedetermination of the lock status. Regardless of whether flow arrives atoperation 2510 via detection of the charger event or not, operation 2510will either determine that the lock assembly (or generally the device2300) is locked or unlocked.

If the lock status is “unlocked,” then the charging switches may beclosed in order to allow charging, and monitoring of energy delivery maybe provided at operation 2514. In this regard, referring back to FIG.23, operation 2514 may result in the charge control signal 2330 beingissued to close the charge switch circuitry 2316. The charge IC 2312 andthe charge monitor circuitry 2314 may therefore receive power from thecharge connection 2310 via the charge switch circuitry 2316. Thereafter,flow may return to operation 2506 to determine if a wake event isdetected.

If the lock status is “locked,” then a determination may be made atoperation 2516 as to whether a one-time charge limit has been reached.If the one-time charge limit has not been reached, then flow may proceedto operation 2514 and, as mentioned above, the charging switches may beclosed in order to allow charging, and monitoring of energy delivery maybe provided at operation 2514. If, however, the one-time charge limithas been reached, then the charging switches may be opened at operation2518. Thus, for example, operation 2518 may result in the charge controlsignal 2330 being issued to open the charge switch circuitry 2316. Thecharge IC 2312 and the charge monitor circuitry 2314 may therefore notreceive power from the charge connection 2310 via the charge switchcircuitry 2316.

Returning to operation 2506, if a wake event is detected, then a scanoperation may be performed for an authentication code at operation 2520.It should be appreciated, however, that the authentication code couldalso be scanned subsequent to, or as part of, an age/ID verificationoperation as well in some cases. The scan operation could occurautomatically (e.g., Bluetooth pairing, RFID or NFC tag reading, orother automated scanning options). However, in other examples, a usermay initiate operation 2520 and, in some cases, may provide informationto facilitate execution of operation 2520. The scanning of the code mayinclude an audio code, an optical or visual code, or any other suitableauthentication method (including but not limited to those describedherein). Thus, for example, the authentication method may includeblockchain techniques, facial recognition or other biometricidentification techniques, the provision of a trusted credential such asa pin code, serial number, or the like, which may be provided eithercontemporaneously with the authentication process or which may have beenpreviously provided, or other suitable methods.

A determination may be made at operation 2522 as to whether the codescanned is verified or authenticates. If the code does not authenticateor verify, a determination may be made at operation 2524 as to whether awake up timer has been exceeded. In this regard, the wake up timer maystart when, at operation 2506, a wake up event is detected. The user maybe enabled to perform one or more authentication attempts before theexpiration of the wake up timer. Thus, if the wake up timer has notexpired, flow may return to operation 2520 and the user may be enabledto attempt another scan for the authentication code. In some cases,instead of, or in addition to a timer, a number of attempts could becounted (and limited). If the wake up timer is expired after a failureto verify a code (or if the number of allowable attempts is exceeded),then a wake event flag may be cleared at operation 2526 and flow mayreturn to operation 2508.

If the code verifies or authenticates responsive to the determination atoperation 2522, the wake event flag may be cleared at operation 2528before a determination is made at operation 2530 as to whether theverified code is a lock code or an unlock code. If the verified code isa lock code, then flow returns back to operation 2500 and the status isset to locked, and both voltage switches and charging switches areopened. If the verified code is an unlock code, then flow proceeds tooperation 2532. At operation 2532, the lock assembly may continue tooperate at minimum power and the lock status may change to “unlocked.”The charging switches and the voltage switches may be closed and aone-time charge flag (if applicable) may also be cleared. Thereafter,flow may return to operation 2502 to await the next interrupt.

Thus, in accordance with an example embodiment, an aerosol deliverydevice may be provided. The device may include a rechargeable powersource configured to provide power to generate an aerosol, deviceelectronics configured to generate the aerosol responsive to applicationof the power from the power source, and a lock assembly configured toperform either one or both of preventing recharging the power source andpreventing the application of the power from the power source to thedevice electronics in a locked state, and to enable recharging the powersource and the application of power from the power source to the deviceelectronics in an unlocked state. The lock assembly may be configured toperform various operations including: 1) detect a wake event while thelock assembly is in the locked state, 2) wake the lock assembly inresponse to the wake event, 3) perform an authentication process, and,in response to completing the authentication process, 4) transition thelock assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state. Of note,the operations 1-4 could be performed in sequential order, but suchordering is not fixed or intended to be. Thus, the numbers assigned inthe ordering above (and the ordering itself within the list) are notlimiting, and the order in which the operations are performed could bechanged in various example embodiments. For example, the authenticationprocess (operation 3) above) could be performed and an unlock key couldbe provided as a result. Then the device could be awoken and the devicecould be unlocked with the unlock key. In that example, the specificorder would be 3), 1), 2), 4).

The foregoing description of use of the article(s) can be applied to thevarious example implementations described herein through minormodifications, which can be apparent to the person of skill in the artin light of the further disclosure provided herein. The abovedescription of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of thearticle but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements ofdisclosure of the present disclosure. Any of the elements shown in thearticle(s) illustrated in FIGS. 1-25 or as otherwise described above maybe included in an aerosol delivery device according to the presentdisclosure.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specificimplementations disclosed, and that modifications and otherimplementations are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example implementations in the context ofcertain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative implementations without departing from thescope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: arechargeable power source configured to provide power to generate anaerosol; device electronics configured to generate the aerosolresponsive to application of the power from the power source; and a lockassembly configured to perform either one or both of preventingrecharging the power source and preventing the application of the powerfrom the power source to the device electronics in a locked state, andto enable recharging the power source and the application of power fromthe power source to the device electronics in an unlocked state, whereinthe lock assembly is configured to: detect a wake event while the lockassembly is in the locked state; wake the lock assembly in response tothe wake event; perform an authentication process; and in response tocompleting the authentication process, transition the lock assemblybetween the locked state and the unlocked state.
 2. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 1, wherein the lock assembly comprises a wake up managerconfigured to wake the lock assembly from a low power or sleep mode inthe locked state in response to the wake event.
 3. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 2, wherein the wake up manager is configured to detectthe wake event responsive to operation of an actuator.
 4. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 3, wherein the actuator comprises a button oroperable member actuated by a user according to an actuation pattern oractuation code.
 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein theactuator is shielded and is actuated responsive to user-initiatedcontact with an implement.
 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5,wherein the implement is integrated into a charging device configured tointerface with the power source for recharging of the power source. 7.The aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the actuator isactivated responsive to detecting a position or pattern of motion of theaerosol delivery device.
 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3,wherein the actuator is configured to interface with, or be integratedin, packaging associated with sale of the aerosol delivery device, andwherein removal of the packaging activates the actuator.
 9. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 3, wherein the actuator is configured tointerface with an interrupt generator to generate an interrupt, andwherein a microcontroller of the aerosol delivery device is activatedfrom a standby condition in response to the interrupt.
 10. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 3, wherein the actuator is activated responsiveto removal of a tab from a portion of the aerosol delivery device. 11.The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the lock assemblycomprises an authentication manager configured to perform theauthentication process responsive to the wake event, and wherein theauthentication process comprises scanning for an authentication code andtransitioning the lock assembly to the unlocked state in response toverification of the authentication code.
 12. The aerosol delivery deviceof claim 1, further comprising either one or both of: control switchcircuitry operable to close to enable the application of power from thepower source to the device electronics, and open to prevent applicationof power from the power source to the device electronics, and chargeswitch circuitry operable to close to enable recharging of the powersource, and open to prevent recharging of the power source.
 13. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein the lock assembly isconfigured to close the control switch circuitry and the charge switchcircuitry in response to transitioning to the unlocked state, and openthe control switch circuitry and the charge switch circuitry in responseto transitioning to the locked state.
 14. A method of unlocking anaerosol delivery device from a low power or sleep mode, the methodcomprising: detecting a wake event while the aerosol delivery device isin a locked state in which a charging function or an aerosol generationfunction is not enabled; waking a lock assembly of the aerosol deliverydevice from the low power or sleep mode in response to detecting a wakeevent; performing an authentication process via the lock assembly; andin response to completing the authentication process, transitioning thelock assembly to an unlocked state in which the charging function andthe aerosol generation function are enabled.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein waking the lock assembly comprises waking a microcontroller ofthe aerosol delivery device from a standby mode, and waking anauthentication manager to perform the authentication process.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein detecting the wake event comprises detectingoperation of an actuator.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein detectingoperation of an actuator comprises detecting actuation of a button oroperable member actuated by a user according to an actuation pattern oractuation code.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the actuator isshielded and is actuated responsive to user-initiated contact with animplement operated by a user or integrated into a charging deviceconfigured to interface with a battery of the aerosol delivery device.19. The method of claim 14, wherein performing the authenticationprocess comprises scanning for an authentication code and transitioningthe lock assembly to the unlocked state in response to verification ofthe authentication code.
 20. A system for activation of a locked andpackaged component, the system comprising: an aerosol delivery device,and a packaging assembly comprising packaging associated with sale ofthe aerosol delivery device, wherein the aerosol delivery devicecomprises: a rechargeable power source configured to provide power togenerate an aerosol; device electronics configured to generate theaerosol responsive to application of the power from the power source;and a lock assembly configured to perform either one or both ofpreventing recharging the power source and preventing the application ofthe power from the power source to the device electronics in a lockedstate, and to enable recharging the power source and the application ofpower from the power source to the device electronics in an unlockedstate, wherein the lock assembly is configured to perform waking,authentication and unlocking of the aerosol delivery device, and whereinthe lock assembly is configured to interface with, or be integrated in,the packaging such that removal of the packaging initiates the waking ofthe aerosol delivery device.